A governance lobby group has warned foreign forces that could be keen on interfering in Kenya’s political system to keep off the country’s internal affairs, while at the same time calling for mature politics, good governance, and constitutionalism from the government.
Integrity Watch says Kenya is a sovereign state and should therefore be left alone to run her affairs without external interference from states or formations wanting to drive their agenda.
Terming itself a collaboration of organizations and individual anti-corruption crusaders, bloggers, activists, and whistleblowers, Integrity Watch reaffirms that they have a mandate to give full effect to Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 on leadership and integrity.
Addressing a media conference in Nairobi today, the lobby underscored the need for observation of the rule of law, constitutionalism, and democracy in Kenya, holding all political leaders to account on the backdrop of anti-government picketing staged by the Gen Z bracket witnessed in recent weeks.
“The past few days our country has seen remarkable social movements for democratic change around the country…they have demanded greater justice and dignity, more transparent political processes, a fair share of political power and an end to corruption,” a statement by Mr. Ouma Jowi, National Coordinator Integrity Watch, reads in part.
“The rule of law and democracy are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. The rule of law is based on key democratic principles such as equality before the law, accountability, separation of powers, and participation in decision-making. Like democracy, the rule of law is a principle of governance anchored in participatory and consultative processes. To be legitimate, laws should be widely consulted and reflective of society’s needs and values.”
Jowi noted that a democratically elected parliament and a vibrant and strong civil society movement stand to provide ideal mechanisms for realizing the previous.
The lobby group condemned what it termed continuous incitements and the barrage of hate speech in political gatherings and on social media, urging Kenyans to hold dear the fact that we have only one country which is irreplaceable in case it is destroyed.
Among the demands Integrity Watch gave to the political leadership and Kenyans in general are that all social movements should uphold patriotism and constitutionalism, politicians to embrace tolerance and respect to such movements, and all social movements to consider dialogue on their different platforms in a bid to foster peace and unity.