Uphold the President’s pledge to protect freedom

By Angela Ambitho

What an auspicious day it was when Africa turned out in its might and splendour to usher in the Fourth President of Kenya on April 9. Everything ran almost perfectly for an event of its magnitude. The entertainment kept the crowds invigorated, the flowing gowns, colourful frocks, and pristine suits made the atmosphere vibrant while the well-crafted speeches kept the audience at ease. Pray for the slight tardiness of the outgoing Head of State and the near diplomatic fisticuffs between our security personnel and those of visiting Heads of State, this was a well-planned, beautifully orchestrated event. The organisers deserve an ‘B+’ for effort and achievement. 

But as the loud claps and animated cheers engulfed the Kasarani and the wines and whiskies flowed at the State House gardens, the masses in Baba Dogo, Mathare, Kariobangi, and Kibera were surrounded by armed policemen. Now, it isn’t lost on anyone that an important day like this wasn’t to be marred by ugly scenes of chaos and disenchantment. But the physical or psychological restrictions imposed on some citizens certainly impinged on their freedoms and was tantamount to exposing them to the ills of a police state. That they may not have been approving of the ensuing events should not be in question. As citizens, they have the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 33 of the Constitution. What is important is the expression of their feelings doesn’t extend to propaganda for war, incitement to violence or hate speech. 

The Inspector General of Police must appreciate that excessive domineering presence of officers who seem ready to reprimand us in our neighbourhoods and slums only serves to render many into psychological submission and fear. Certainly this is not the Kenya we want. Indeed, following the ushering in of this Government, the Police must now work towards launching an aggressive public relations campaign aimed at restoring public trust and confidence on their primary role as custodians of peace and not implementers of repression. It may serve as food for thought for our cops to learn from the story I heard in the week from the Chief Justice of South Sudan whom while comparing modernity and the past with regards to the rule of law intimated that the traditional justice system that was managed in the yesteryears by the paramount chiefs both noble and effective. Why?

You see, when a villager had a grievance against another person, a Baraza was called where the burning issues were addressed. Other villagers including uninvolved parties were allowed to attend and provide their two cents on the issue almost concomitant to what we currently see in the Jury system. Upon reaching a verdict, the aggrieved party was allowed to compose a song that would express their sentiments on both the accused and the grievance. They were then allowed to perambulate the village and publicly nag, wail and yawl about their grudge for all and sundry to listen and comment on. However, this public outcry was only permitted for a specific period upon which the accuser was only allowed to scream and shout within the confines of his homestead. This did not mean that others could not listen or participate. They were allowed to and they did. The net effect of this traditional justice system was that it took cognisance of the important role that venting played in reconciliation, healing and coexistence.

Intimidation, whether psychological or otherwise can never facilitate healing. In preventing the populace from freedom to amicably express themselves early last week, our uniformed police were acting like medical practitioners who would rather cover an abscess with a well administered bandage to hide its ugliness and odour forgetting that sooner rather than later the abscess will burst. Let it be appreciated that the pus must completely ooze out for the wound to heal. Our IGP must tactfully allow this to happen.

It is extremely relieving to know that the President has pledged to uphold freedom of speech and expression. All arms of Government must follow suit.

The writer is the founder and CEO of Infotrak Research and Consulting