Inclusivity is the key to battling terrorism

Kenya: Kenya has witnessed an upsurge in insecurity in the past four years, especially a sudden rise in terrorist attacks, inter-ethnic conflicts, cattle rustling, governance- and resource-based battles and gang attacks.  Thousands of civilians and security personnel have died in this violence. This is a critical issue that must now be addressed comprehensively. As Kenya hosts President Barack Obama of the United States of America, the discussion on security is one that cannot be swept under the carpet.

Kenyans need to be safe in their homes and communities, and it is the government’s duty to safeguard Kenyans from terror. The absence of security threatens our enjoyment of other rights and freedoms as well. However, the government is failing to protect citizens against both internal and external aggression. Instead the government has adopted a response model premised on increasing government control and punishment, through military action and tougher security laws. Security operations have often been executed with total disregard for the rule of law and human rights as outlined in the constitution and other national, regional and international human rights instruments to which Kenya is a party. This is unacceptable.