Kenyans abroad rally against corruption, push for accountability

Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton speaking in Nairobi on 20th September 2023 after attending a stakeholder's engagement forum on the digital ID and the Unique Personal Identifier hosted by Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard] An Anti-corruption advocacy group composed of Kenyans in the diaspora has taken a bold step in the fight against graft to push the Kenyan government to deal with the vice in the country. Diaspora Against Corruption in Kenya(DACK), is set to host Executive Director Amnesty International Irungu Houghton in the United States in a strategic partnership that could bolster transparency and accountability efforts both at home and abroad. Amnesty International, which is widely recognized for its relentless efforts in championing justice and good governance, is expected to engage with diaspora leaders, policymakers, and grassroots organizations on corruption's impact on governance, human rights, and economic development. The group's spokesperson Stephen Mbugua emphasized the significance of uniting voices beyond borders to tackle corruption stating that corruption knows no boundaries and that there was a need for concerted efforts to fight the vice. "Our partnership with key human rights defenders will magnify our advocacy efforts and push for stronger accountability measures as we unite to fight corruption which has made our country stagnate behind in development," said Mbugua. The diaspora community head of finance Mwaura Mwembu pointed out the struggle they undergo for basic human rights abroad, which is critical, and that they are going to speak out since the rights of their people back at home are undermined. Mwembu said that Amnesty International is in recognition that the status quo must change when a person corruptly steals public resources, demands kickback in return for a service, or abducts our youth simply because they refuse to sing the choruses of those in leadership. "We shall continue to advocate for the Kenya We Want, the event, scheduled to take place at the City of Long Beach in California, will feature panel discussions, networking sessions, and strategic planning aimed at fostering stronger collaborations," said Mwembu. He said that between the diaspora, civil society, and international human rights organizations Participants hope that such engagements will lead to concrete actions, including policy recommendations and enhanced civic participation in governance issues back in Kenya. Amid ongoing pressure on the current Kenyan Regime to deal with corruption, an anti-corruption advocacy group comprising Kenyans in the diaspora has taken a bold step in strengthening global ties in the fight against graft. The event, scheduled to take place at the City of Long Beach in California, will feature panel discussions, networking sessions, and strategic planning aimed at fostering stronger collaborations between the diaspora, civil society, and international human rights organizations. Diaspora Against Corruption in Kenya Chairperson Ben Ateku has called on the diaspora community to unite and reclaim their sovereignty from the corrupt regime that has left many languish in poverty through heavy taxation and funding failed projects as a gateway on squandering public funds. "We aim to partner with like-minded organizations to usher in a new era of governance where justice and economic empowerment reaches all Kenyans irrespective of tribe or connection to those in power. Power has always belonged to the people, not the ruling class," said Ateku Participants hope such engagements will lead to concrete actions, including policy recommendations and enhanced civic participation in governance issues back in Kenya at a time when Kenya continues to grapple with corruption scandals, with citizens demanding stronger measures against impunity. The diaspora communities have increasingly played a key role in advocating for reforms with collaboration in increasing awareness in the ongoing fight against corruption and human rights violations in their home countries.

Kenyans abroad rally against corruption, push for accountability

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