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February 19th, 2009
Dear Kenyans and friends of Kenya,
Earlier today (Wednesday, 18th February, 2009) Patrick Kamotho, Philo Ikonya and Fwamba Chrispus were beaten and arrested by Kenya Police and are now still under police custody. Patrick Kamotho who was arrested first was kept at parliament buildings and is still being held there. Philo Ikonya and Fwamba Chrispus are being held at Central Police Station where we have been unable to access them despite our best efforts. There is no OCPD or OCS available at the Central Police Station, Nairobi as I write. However, the deputy OCS has informed us that his orders are not to allow anyone to access Philo and Fwamba. The deputy has also indicated that only an order from the OCPD or the OCS can reverse this.
Patrick, Philo and Fwamba were leading a group of Bunge la Mwananchi members who went to the Parliament building for the following cause:
1. to wait for the Prime Minister of Kenya, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Finance to petition them about the situation of millions of Kenyans who are likely to die anytime from starvation for lack of food.
2. to dramatize the government's failure to treat hunger and starvation that has invaded 10 million Kenyans as an emergency through substantive safety net programs that can reach low priced food to those who need it urgently.
3. to send a message to parliamentarians and the government of Kenya especially President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila that we, the people, are not going to allow those who have created hunger that will kill 10 million Kenyans to continue enjoying public office.
4. to find out from the Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Special Programmes when the governmentʼs Unga for 50/= will ever reach the starving Kenyans that need it.
Some other Bunge protesters are still around the parliament buildings, though in scattered groups and the police are still on the chase to arrest them. This is in stark contrast to women supporters mobilised by Minister Ruto who were and continue to be outside parliament protesting against his censure in parliament today and who have not been bothered by parliament security nor the police.
It is clear from incidences such as the tragedy at Sachangwan, and similar fuel salvage attempts by Kenyans a few days later, that because of hunger Kenyans have reached a point where they feel they have nothing to lose. Kenyans are not scared by the risk of fire and are therefore less scared of being arrested by the police. In any event, weighing the pros and cons, at least while in jail they will benefit from state welfare.
Kenyans are hungry and angry and they know that the root cause of this is failed leadership as evidenced by the myriad scandals especially concerning basic commodities like food and fuel. Kenyans are therefore prepared to use all means possible to make their voices heard.
We have been joined by the National Civil Society Congress leadership as a show of solidarity as we continue to lobby for the release of those arrested. We continue to appeal for support from everyone who is able, especially in highlighting the food plight of millions of starving Kenyans.
There are also a number of media houses that have been with us and we continue to urge the media that since this is a very serious issue affecting millions of Kenyans they treat it as a serious matter even in their news coverage.
Today's activity is a test drive of many other sporadic activities that we are mounting across the country through our networks. This is only a part of the surge amongst Kenyans pushing for fresh, proactive and people sensitive leadership. Our message shall target President Kibaki, Prime Minister and anyone who is a beneficiary of their failed leadership.
I will keep you posted on developments. Thank you for your continued support!
George Nyongesa
Bunge la Mwananchi
+254 720 451 235