By Andrew Kariuki
A human rights group has raised concerns over the treatment of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, calling for fairness, due process and respect for human dignity in the handling of legal disputes involving the former politician.
In a statement released by Mtetezi – the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement, the group said that while legal disputes must be resolved in accordance with the law, the process should not appear punitive or designed to destroy a person’s economic livelihood.
The organization expressed concern over developments surrounding Tuju, including the auctioning of property and the loss of businesses associated with him.
According to the group, such actions raise questions about proportionality, fairness and the broader principles of justice within a constitutional democracy.
“Watching someone’s property auctioned and long-standing sources of income taken away, including businesses they built over years, raises serious questions about fairness, due process and proportionality,” the statement said.
The movement emphasized that justice must be administered in a manner that is transparent and consistent with the rule of law.
It argued that legal disputes involving debts, commercial disagreements or other claims should be resolved through clear legal procedures that respect the rights of all parties involved.
“Justice must never look like persecution,” the statement added.
Mtetezi further stated that the rule of law in a constitutional democracy must guarantee equal protection for every citizen regardless of political affiliation.
“Today it is Tuju; tomorrow it could be anyone else. Disagreements, debts or legal disputes should be resolved through transparent and fair legal processes,” the group said.
The organization also stressed that human rights protections apply to all individuals, including those with whom members of the public may politically disagree.
“The true test of a society governed by law is how it treats individuals when they are most vulnerable,” the statement noted.
The group concluded by urging authorities and stakeholders to ensure that justice remains both firm and fair in the handling of legal disputes involving any Kenyan citizen.
The statement was issued by officials of the organization including Francis Awino (National Convenor), Mc’Olonde Charles (Research and Policy), Sifuna Misenya (Communication), Joshua Nyanjom (Coordination) and Paul Victor (Operations and Logistics).
