Kenyans on the Social Media have criticized rights activists and anti-femicide groups for the deafening silence amidst the attack against Racheal Wandeto, a vocal supporter of President William Ruto in Mwiki, Nairobi.
Reacting to the news that Wandeto has succumbed to severe burns at the Kenyatta National Hospital where she was receiving treatment, a section of Kenyans accused human rights defenders for choosing silence as Wandeto’s rights were being trampled upon.
The netizens also called for fair treatment for all Kenyans regardless of their political affiliations and ethnicity. They further blamed political intolerance for the fate that befell Wandeto who was reportedly doused with acid for tattooing the image of President Ruto on her body.
“You cannot condemn goons when they disrupt opposition meetings, then remain silent when people are attacked for supporting the government,” said Luvisia Legal, adding: “This is where human rights, civil society leaders, commissions, activists and all institutions that claim to defend human rights must speak clearly.”
“I feel for this woman and honestly, if that is the case then it’s so unfortunate but why the double standards? Posed Mamaboys Jendeka Lorrine.
“We are a democratic country and at all times we should practice political tolerance. It is totally unacceptable to attack individuals based on their political affiliations,” Victor Rotich wrote on Facebook.
“One thing I want to say is despite our political affiliation, it is not right to harm or even take another person’s life. Life is God given, let’s practice tolerance and love as one country. We don’t have another country, we are one,” said Ambrose Mwangi.
At the same time, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who visited the late Racheal at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) last Sunday accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, said that he was profoundly saddened by the news of her death.
CS Murkomen attributed her demise to “a heinous attack by a vile and intolerant group of people,” vowing that security agents are hot on the heels of the perpetrators. “Her passing is deeply disturbing. No one deserves to be injured or killed for their political views or affiliation in this day and age,” he said.
“It should prick the conscience of those propagating politics of hate, violence and division. We shall bring the perpetrators of this senseless act to book. Racheal will get justice,” he stated, adding that Racheal showed resilience on her hospital bed when he visited her.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) Chairperson, Leah Sankaire strongly condemned the attack on Racheal saying that it constitutes a grave violation of the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
She said that the attack violated the right to life, equality, human dignity, and security of the person. “No woman should have to live in fear, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one through violence. Such acts have no place in a constitutional democracy founded on justice, human rights, and the rule of law,” she said in a statement to newsrooms.
“We further urge all actors in public life to exercise restraint and responsibility, and to reject any narratives that normalize or justify violence against citizens. Kenya’s constitutional order is anchored on peaceful coexistence, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights,” she stated.
Noting that KEWOPA was concerned over the emerging pattern of targeted violence and growing intolerance in public life, she said such acts threaten democracy. She called upon security agents to deal decisively with the perpetrators.
