Rights activists oppose Kenya’s bid to get UN seat

By ABIGAEL SUM

Civil society activists are opposed to Kenya’s plans to vie for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Ken Wafula, President of the National Association of Human Rights Activists, argued that Kenya is not fit to be elected to the council following the ongoing cases at The Hague.

“The President and his deputy are facing trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Therefore, for the country to campaign for a seat at the UNSC, it will be against the principles of national justice,” said Wafula.

He noted that Kenya’s move is not noble.

“Kenya had reached the UNSC to have The Hague cases deferred for a period of one year, which was denied. There are no guarantees that once they are elected, they will not pursue this deferral,” he said.

He noted that if the bid is successful, Kenya will use its position to undermine the ICC cases.

“Kenya is not seeking the seat at the UNSC for the purposes of serving the world but rather to interfere with the Fatou Bensouda’s cases,” he said.

He added: “Kenya should be patient until ICC cases are concluded regardless of the outcome then they can vie for a non-permanent seat at the security council.”

The umbrella body for human rights defenders said they will lobby UN member states in an effort to ensure that Kenya is not elected during the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in 2016.

Wafula said Kenya should sort out its domestic security first before seeking to serve the world in a UN organ charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.

“The country’s security situation is deteriorating. It beats logic for them to vie for a position at the security council when they are unable to provide adequate security for people,” he said.

“You are supposed to have the best security practices while at the council, which practices will Kenya share to the world?”