Call for Peace and Sobriety by the Women of Kenya
Echo Network Africa has led other like minded organizations in calling for peace. Under the wise leadership of Dr. Jennifer N. Riria PhD, EBS, MBS, HRH/Goodwill Ambassador, ICON/HP
Chairperson AWLN Kenya Chapter & Group CEO, Echo Network Africa said:
“The last couple of weeks have been very sad ones for Kenyans and even sadder for the women of Kenya. The world has watched in awe, and we dare say in disappointment as Kenya bleeds from actions of unrest and lawlessness by sections of the citizenry. This has put the country in limbo – and threatened to paralyse our already fragile economy. Such does not augur well for us as a nation, it poses serious threats to our children and to future generations.
As the women of Kenya, we are greatly concerned and stand with our fellow mothers who are grieving as a result of the unnecessary loss of lives, injuries and loss of properties. We empathize with the families and pray for God’s comfort. This is the spirit in which we issue this statement.
We begin this statement by reminding Kenyans that God has given us a very beautiful country, one that is admired and respected by many people all over the world. Kenya is home to some of the best human resources, great wildlife, amazing road infrastructure, and excellent technological inventions including the world-class MPESA, among others. In short, we have made huge advancements at all fronts. The sort of wild behavior by some sections of our people which we have witnessed recently and that has resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of properties cannot be condoned. Equally disturbing is the unacceptable use of force by some sections of law enforcement agencies in their bid to quell the unrest. As a result, Kenyans are in pain and afraid.
Admittedly, the cost of living is high. The majority of Kenyans can barely afford necessities including food, medical services, fuel, and other needs. As a result, Kenyans are hungry and angry. We appeal for calmness and patience. After all, we are a people of faith. In time, things will get better.
As women of Kenya, we wish to bring to the attention of all Kenyans that as a constitutional democracy, Kenya is a country that is governed by the rule of law. Therefore, everybody is expected to play by these rules. It is important that Kenyans give space for dialogue so that we build our economy and the nation together.
While we appreciate that all Kenyans have a right to picket, demonstrate and assemble, we should always remember that our constitution provides that such actions should be carried out peaceably, and that participants should be unarmed. In other words, the constitution calls for personal responsibility and the need to safeguard the rights of other people around us. As it is now, the ongoing unrests are disrupting daily lives including those of school going children, businesses and offices are closing resulting to the loss of billions of shillings badly required to revamp our economy. The women of Kenya urge for calmness, dialogue and sobriety from all.
Finally, we stand in full support of our Constitution which expressly places the highest responsibility of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on the sitting President. We therefore appeal to H.E. the President, Hon. William Samoei Ruto to protect the lives of all Kenyans and their property in line with the Constitution which he swore to defend.
As the women of Kenya, we commit to continue praying for peace and the prosperity of our nation and our people. We identify with all those who are affected by the crisis, indeed, we pray the words of our National Anthem to apply: ‘Kenya Istahili Heshima.’
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