The plight of Kenyan Youth remains uncertain, the wave of the deaths of dozens of young people as law enforcement officers cracked down on protests countrywide have left the citizenry broken and divided than ever. Extrajudicial executions continue unabated; shooting of unarmed young peaceful protesters is the new norm during Youth-led protests.
From deaths resulting from torture and police brutality on the streets to enforced disappearances and Police abductions; the rule of law has been dealt a major blow by an authoritarian regime that has managed to weaponize the police and officers from the Kenya Defense Forces against its own citizens thus eroding any trust locals had in the security agencies to maintain law and order.
Whereas the right to picket remains enshrined in article 37 of Kenyan Constitution, there are concerns over how the security forces will respond to demos led by Gen Z and Millennials.
News about a section of the opposition politicians going to bed with the ruling coalition has sent mixed reactions in a country polarized along tribe, ethnicity, race, religion and social class.
As national and county leaders spend time on politics, the Kenyan Youth feels largely ignored and undermined on issues public interest and legislation. The Law Society of Kenya President, Faith Odhiambo has on the other hand waged a steadfast justice quest for the victims of police brutality. LSK in conjunction with Amnesty International, Independent Medico-Legal Unit, Defenders Coalition, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, International Commission of Jurists, HAKI Africa and other human rights defenders have consistently been the first responders to citizens in distress. The Youthful activists gradually feel accepted and accommodated by such groups and organizations.
A number of the young people who keep demonstrating every Tuesday and Thursday have been captured by both local and international media crying out for a listening ear. Most of the protesters vent their anger and frustration over a regime that has remained tone deaf. Yet, the protesters need a listening and empathy platform with ability to convert their frustrations encapsulated in their non-negotiables to pragmatic and implementable solutions.
The first steps of finding solutions must be directly derived from direct engagement with the relevant parties across the country. The need to seek justice for all victims remains paramount and the first step towards peace is first justice for all victims and affected persons.
To realize any meaningful change, the Youth must be given a platform to talk, be allowed to vent and listened to. Citizen Assembly seeks to act as a bridge towards a better, safe and peaceful Kenya.
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