from otieno sungu

It is disconcerting to hear that the Government is contemplating spending 4.6 billion on suspects of PEV. This is against the backdrop of unsettled IDPs dotting the country. This irony of situations is further aggravated by the fact that while the suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty, there is also the possibility of some actually being proved guilty as charged.

In view of this, wouldn’t it be a travesty of justice to spend tax payer’s money to defend the 6 with such possibility while hundreds of their perceived and possible victims still sleep in the cold, have no food, property and whose children do not even attend decent schooling?

Vugu Vugu Mashinani strongly opposes this move by Government. The Ocampo 6 must find ways of defending themselves and the ICC should be responsible for compensating those it accused wrongly. In law, if one is not able to afford legal representation, the institution should avail one to such accused, in this case, the ICC has a moral responsibility of ensuring the accused get due legal representation just as they are able to accord witnesses protection. Not all witness accounts will be acceptable and admissible in which case the ICC will have wasted money on such witnesses.

In similar vein, not all accused will be indicted hence the need to ensure they have proper legal representation for justice not only to be done but also to be seen to be done.

We call upon the government of Kenya to avert protest which may culminate into civil unrest especially when reports of Kenyans dying of hunger have already begun emerging. Just recently, Tunisians have revolted against an insensitive government due to widespread social problems amidst mismanagement of the country’s national resources. This is stack similarity to what the GOK seems to be trying, warped prioritizing of resources for the comfort of a few while neglecting the masses.

We urge all Kenyans to be vigilant and prepared to reject any such arrangements which will further burden us and deny us ample resources to address pressing national needs. It is the civic duty of all Kenyans to safeguard our national resources, including our taxes from misappropriation and abuse.

We must also watch out for leaders propagating such abuses of our taxes with a view of dislodging them from power when the right time comes.

Otieno Sungu.

Chairman,

VuguVugu Mashinani.

Email: Chair@vuguvugumashinani.or.ke

info@vuguvugumashinani.or.ke

Website: www.vuguvugumashinani.or.ke

Tel: +254 734 980 012