NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has voiced his support for an independent investigation into the alarming reports of abductions and extra-judicial killings in Kenya.
Gachagua emphasized that Kenya is not a “banana republic” and must uphold its democratic principles.
Gachagua commended his allies for resisting what he described as backward attempts to suppress freedom of speech and erode the country’s democratic fabric.
He argued that only through a transparent and open inquiry could the true extent of these human rights violations be revealed.
“This call for an open process to investigate them (abductions) will provide an open and transparent forum for the whole world to see the extent of abductions to stifle independent voices,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President stressed that the allegations of abductions and extra-judicial killings are of significant concern not only to Kenyans but also to the international community.
He praised the courage of leaders who are willing to confront these issues head-on, despite attempts to dismiss them.
“I am proud that some leaders are able to go beyond clear attempts to wish this issue away,” he said.
Gachagua called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth, prosecute those responsible, and prevent such violations from recurring.
“We must get to the bottom of these gross human rights violations, identify and prosecute everyone involved in the abductions and extra-judicial killings, and ensure this will never happen again,” he asserted.
The former Deputy President urged all Kenyans of goodwill to support the push for a commission of inquiry, highlighting the need for justice for victims and their families.
He also advocated for counseling for families affected by these heinous acts.
“We must counter the efforts to instill fear in our young people and their families to discourage them from speaking the truth,” Gachagua said.
He expressed admiration for those who continue to stand up for their rights despite threats and intimidation.
“I continue to salute all those Kenyans who refuse to be intimidated, coerced, bought off, or shut down,” he added.
Gachagua reaffirmed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution and stressed that any grievances against it should be addressed through legal channels.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, and anyone who feels aggrieved by those exercising it must pursue the law in seeking redress,” he concluded.
Gachagua emphasized that Kenya is not a “banana republic” and must uphold its democratic principles.
Gachagua commended his allies for resisting what he described as backward attempts to suppress freedom of speech and erode the country’s democratic fabric.
He argued that only through a transparent and open inquiry could the true extent of these human rights violations be revealed.
“This call for an open process to investigate them (abductions) will provide an open and transparent forum for the whole world to see the extent of abductions to stifle independent voices,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President stressed that the allegations of abductions and extra-judicial killings are of significant concern not only to Kenyans but also to the international community.
He praised the courage of leaders who are willing to confront these issues head-on, despite attempts to dismiss them.
“I am proud that some leaders are able to go beyond clear attempts to wish this issue away,” he said.
Gachagua called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth, prosecute those responsible, and prevent such violations from recurring.
“We must get to the bottom of these gross human rights violations, identify and prosecute everyone involved in the abductions and extra-judicial killings, and ensure this will never happen again,” he asserted.
The former Deputy President urged all Kenyans of goodwill to support the push for a commission of inquiry, highlighting the need for justice for victims and their families.
He also advocated for counseling for families affected by these heinous acts.
“We must counter the efforts to instill fear in our young people and their families to discourage them from speaking the truth,” Gachagua said.
He expressed admiration for those who continue to stand up for their rights despite threats and intimidation.
“I continue to salute all those Kenyans who refuse to be intimidated, coerced, bought off, or shut down,” he added.
Gachagua reaffirmed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution and stressed that any grievances against it should be addressed through legal channels.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, and anyone who feels aggrieved by those exercising it must pursue the law in seeking redress,” he concluded.
