20/07/2023
🚨 WE CONDEMN THE BRUTAL ARREST OF HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST *BONIFACE OGUTU AKACH* AND DEMAND HIS UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE.
We, the Social Justice Movement hereby express our utmost concern and condemnation regarding the recent arrest of prominent human rights activist Boniface Ogutu Akach. He was abducted this afternoon at Kassagam fly over in Kisumu by six plain clothed police officers on three motorbikes while on his way to Kisumu Peace and Justice Center. This is a distressing indication of the growing suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms in our society.
Boniface Ogutu Akach has long been at the forefront advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights, civil liberties, and social justice. The justice centers which he belongs to is Sitarusha Mawe Tena CBO and Kisumu Peace and Justice Center which have unwavering commitment to championing causes related to peace, equality, and justice. The circumstances surrounding the arrest of Boniface Ogutu Akach raise serious questions about the state of freedom of expression and assembly in Kenya. As human rights defenders, we firmly believe in the right to peacefully express dissenting views, challenge authorities, and advocate for positive societal change.
The arrest of Boniface Ogutu Akach sends a chilling message to others who dare to question the status quo and stand up for justice. We call upon the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Boniface Ogutu Akach and drop any charges brought against him. We remind the government of its obligation to uphold and protect the rights enshrined in our constitution and international human rights treaties to which our country is a signatory.
These rights include freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, which are essential pillars of any democratic society. The use of intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrests against human rights defenders is a clear violation of the principles of a democratic society and undermines the rule of law. Such actions must be unequivocally denounced and halted if we are to uphold the values that define us as a just and equitable nation. We further urge the government to engage in open dialogue with human rights defenders and civil society organizations, fostering an environment where divergent opinions can be heard, discussed, and debated constructively, rather than silenced through oppressive measures. We stand in solidarity with Boniface Ogutu Akach and other human rights activists who risk their safety and freedom to advance the cause of human rights and social justice. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and raise our voices against any further attempts to curtail the rights of activists or any other individuals who exercise their rights peacefully and lawfully.
The Social Justice Movement remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding human rights and promoting an inclusive society that values diversity and respects the dignity of every individual. We call upon the international community, human rights organizations, and all individuals who cherish the principles of justice and freedom to join us in condemning this arrest and standing in solidarity with Boniface Ogutu, we don’t know where he is being held currently, support us online under the hashtag * *
