Civil Rights and Unrest in Kenya

In response to “Not Exactly the Life of the Multi-Party,” editorial (July 15), and other recent media attention regarding Kenya’s bilateral relationship with the United States, I would like to comment about our country’s commitment to the principles of democracy and the preservation of human and civil rights.

Under the leadership of President Daniel Arap Moi, Kenya has been a consistent ally of the U.S. in Africa, and a model of economic and political stability in a very volatile region of the world. Over the past few months, debate has intensified in Kenya regarding certain aspects of our political system. The debate has concerned the way in which we conduct our elections, the method through which candidates for office are selected and elected, the degree to which criticism of the government is tolerated, and the political system for Kenya--whether we should adopt a multi-party system or continue with the present one-party system.

Unfortunately, some of those who have participated in the discussion regarding Kenya’s political system have utilized this debate to advance quite different objectives. These objectives, in some cases, have been driven by a narrowly defined tribal agenda which would ultimately threaten the security and prosperity which Kenya has maintained over the years. It is precisely the threat of these divisive tribal factors which forms the basis of Kenya’s fears that a multi-party political system may result in increased ethnic strife.

Despite this, President Moi has stated on several occasions that the door to political pluralism is not and cannot be closed. While Kenya appreciates the interest and concern of the U.S. and other longstanding allies, it must be left to Kenyans to decide what form of political system best meets our needs.

Kenya believes that the change must come gradually, in a carefully modulated process in which our people and our system are protected from those who might wish to take advantage of change. This is true for any nation of Africa, where the tribal conflicts and competitions left over from colonial borders and political systems are only slowly being erased. We in Kenya feel that we have made significant progress in nation-building in our 27-year history, but also feel the process of protecting that progress is as important as the process of enhancing our democratic freedoms.

When some people take advantage of an unsettled situation, such as the illegal demonstration which occurred in Nairobi on July 7, to engage in looting, rioting, and other illegal acts, the government must take steps to restore peace and protect innocent citizens. In the days since the events of July 7, the authorities have taken appropriate actions to restore order. In the process, a number of individuals have been injured, and in a few cases have regrettably lost their lives. You may be assured that the Kenyan police have operated within the laws of Kenya in restoring order.

The criticisms which have been leveled at Kenya, particularly with regard to the recent detentions of several political figures, often ignore our concern that if the process of change is forced too fast upon our people, the entire progress which we have made over 27 years will be lost.

Let me repeat that the process of change is continuing. But we must also continue our vigilance to ensure that the system can hold together during the change.

DENIS D. AFANDE, Ambassador

Washington, D.C.