Irene Khan - Secretary General - Amnesty International
I have been told dozens of stories about violent protests since I arrived in Kenya. Today’s rally was not violent. Residents of informal settlements and NGO’s took off to the streets to demand their rights in a remarkable, non-confrontational march. Their energy and organisational skills are impressive; it felt great to be part in this.
The Black Marimba theatre troupe set the tone for the day. A mix of traditional dancers and acrobats performed a spectacular show at the central park, very energetic. Immediately after the performance, people assembled behind their respective banners and marched along one of the main streets of Nairobi, singing and chanting. The banners were incredibly effective in portraying the plurality of representation and in articulating people’s demands.
Today’s march was about people power and people’s voices. It was an opportunity for all those community organisations and ngo’s who have been working together so hard, to celebrate their achievements and leave their footprint on the streets of Nairobi.
The march finished at the Ufungamano House, where we launched the Demand Dignity action on Nairobi’s slums.
Human rights are at stake in various parts of the planet. We, the human rights activists, must keep trying our best to join hands and move for our causes.