Take action against Junet, rights activists tell State
Bernard Gitau @benagitau
Persons living with albinism have petitioned various State commissions dealing with human rights matters to take action against Suba MP Junet Mohammed for discriminating against them.
The group also wants the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to question Junet, claiming his statement would lead them falling prey to human body traffickers.
Further they also called upon the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), National Gender & Equality Commission (NGEC) and other human rights bodies to call out Junet over his statement.
Led by a persons living with disability activist Jane Waithera, they condemned remarks by Junet that Senator Isaac Mwaura bleached his skin to be nominated to Parliament.
“It is due to statements and beliefs such as those issued by Junet that many people have been made to believe the body parts of persons with albinism can make someone rich, thus leading to the loss of lives of many of our brothers and sisters in Kenya and other African countries,” said Waithera.
Their statement came hours after Junet apologised to the albinism community but continued to attack Mwaura for taking advantage of his status for personal gain.
“I want to apologise to people born with albinism. My comments in no way reflect my opinions of them as upstanding citizens of our county. My comments were directed at the rotten character of Mwaura who exploits his disability for personal gain and incitement of violence,” said Junet.
Waithera claimed Junet’s statement was not only an affront to Mwaura but an abuse of the dignity of all albinos collectively. “Mwaura has been not only our voice and face in Parliament and our country’s politics, but also stood out as one of the best legislators in Kenya and beyond. Currently, he has sponsored the highest number of bills in the Senate and has been awarded for exemplary work.”
Activist Joseph Maina alias Sonko said they will file an official complaint to the NCIC and DCI against Junet. “He has contravened Articles 27, 54 and 81 of the Constitution and the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act, and other relevant laws,” said Maina.
Another activist, Abdi Abdillo, who has hearing impairment, said Junet’s sentiment was a reflection of the society on PWDs who continue to face neglect, abuse torture and discrimination.
