A (Political) Word from Mama Karua

Thank you so much for attending the event that was hosted by the Harvard African Law Association in Boston. It was an honor to have you present and I appreciated the opportunity to discuss matters pertaining to the current and future status of Kenya.

I am now back in Kenya and unfortunately the same issues that I raised in our discussion as being a hindrance to progress in our country continue to be very much at play.
Recently, a scandal implicating high level officials and an extensive network of other government officials has been revealed. Junior officials and a number of permanent secretaries have been suspended but this is merely a public relations act and does not go far enough to truly address corruption. True action would be the equal application of the rule of law to all.


Also, a grave demonstration of how the rule of law has broken down was in the recent extrajudicial killings of seven unarmed taxi drivers. For far too long the government has condoned the practice of police shootings as a substitute for arrest which has led to the unfortunate death of many innocent Kenyans. The rule of law should be followed and applied to all, including those mandated to enforce the law, otherwise we risk further breakdown of order in our society.

Indeed the challenges we are facing are numerous but as I often say, I believe in the art of the possible. I believe that Kenyans have a role and the power as well, to collectively transform their country. There is urgency for that role and power to be taken up now and I invite you to be a part of it.

We need to educate ourselves and each other on why the rule of law, accountability, and credibility in addressing impunity and corruption are vital to ending the cycle of ills that plague our country. We cannot continue to support leaders and practices that exemplify the very elements we are trying to eradicate. We need to do things differently and cannot expect to keep doing the same things and expect different results – that is what Albert Einstein referred to as insanity.

I will continue to play my role in Parliament and at every opportunity I have, to advocate for the rule of law and its impartial application. I urge you, to join me in this advocacy and invite your friends to do the same. We owe it to ourselves, our future and to Kenya.

Thank you again and I look forward to your continued engagement.

Sincerely,

Martha Karua