The second edition of match for lives was held in Nakuru City with calls for government to safeguard right to life for all.
Various lobby groups, Community Health promoters and human rights defenders as well as residents joined hands in calling for justice for families that lost their loved ones who were abducted or just disappeared in unclear circumstances.
Under the theme ‘Standing Up for all Lives’, The groups staged peaceful match from Nakuru Railways Ground through Nakuru CBD’s Kenyatta avenue before congregating at Nyayo Gardens for media brief.
Addressing Press, Reproductive Health Champion Organization (RHCO) Executive Director Martin Lunalo faulted the government for failing to safeguard the lives of many Kenyans whose lives were cut short in unclear circumstances.
He reiterated that the constitution of Kenya is very clear on matters fundamental rights of citizens.
Lunalo revisited the case of fisherman Brian Odhiambo who disappeared in the hands of Kenya Wildlife Service officers at Lake Nakuru National Park and has never been found upto now.
He took issue with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for not taking serious the issue of missing Brian Odhiambo.
According to Lunalo, the government should stop PR stunts, but act and ensure justice for Brian Odhiambo’s family.
“Mama Brian does not need to drink juice with CS Murkomen in boardroom, but she needs her son whether alive or dead. Let the government act and ensure justice for the family, ” stated Lunalo.
The RHCO Executive Director at the same time challenged CS Murkomen to act and ensure all officers who were involved in the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo are arrested and prosecuted.
He called on the government to ensure that KWS officers involved in illegal fishing at Lake Nakuru face the wrath of law.
“If we have officers engaging in illegal fishing at Lake Nakuru and yet the government has never taken action, yet when our youth try to look for economic empowerment from the Lake they are harassed and beaten, this should stop. Every life matters,” stated Lunalo.
Lunalo also weighed in on the issue of Social Health Authority(SHA) that has failed to work and led to many women, girls and Kenyans at large suffering while seeking services in various health facilities.
According to Lunalo, this is a crisis that was created by President William Ruto by introducing the new health insurance scheme without further consultations.
Lunalo added that, the government of the day has a responsibility to ensure better healthcare systems so that citizens cannot suffer.
“We have seen a lot of women dying in hospitals because of SHA that is not working. This cannot be tolerated in this country. we have a government in place that should work and ensure that every life is protected. Let President Ruto stop the PR stunts and address the problems that he created. We want the citizens in slum areas to also enjoy life just like those in posh estates,” stated Lunalo.
The Human rights defender also took an issue with First Lady Rachael Ruto over sentiments that children in the country are malnourished due to poverty hence they need the milk program.
He called on First Lady to respect women and children of this country as they are in the condition because the government has poor policies in place.
“The government has been going to press and lying to the people. We are tired of lies…All lives do matter and time is now that we demand action through the County Assemblies, National Assembly and Senate,” stated Lunalo.
The issue of rogue transport stakeholders that have led to many deaths through road accidents also cane up during the presser.
While referring to the recent incident where Metro Sacco matatu operators were seen harassing passenger and pushing the passenger out of their vehicle, Lunalo was categorical that there is need for regulations adherence in the sector.
He called on traffic officers to avert corruption and ensure that all public transport sector adheres to the traffic laws.
“The Salgaa road has caused a lot of deaths and we call on government to expedite the construction of dual road. We want to respect the lives of all,” he said.
On the recent issue where US President Donald Trump has stopped aid to Kenya, Lunalo noted that it has a great negative impact on those living positive.
According to him, time is now that the government should step in through Ministry of Health to look for alternatives on how the health services are not messed up.
“We know USAID is pulling out, but can the government of Kenya should now move with speed and ensure health services are not affected,” stated Lunalo.
Sentiments echoed by RHCO Deputy Executive Director Alzira Arodi.
She noted that there has been an increase in Femicide cases due to inequalities.
According to her, essential healthcare services that are meant to ensure women and girls are safe in terms of SRHR services are weak and that has led to many women and girls dying while trying to secure the services.
“The government has to up its game on matters healthcare services especially for women and girls,” she noted.
On the issue of disappearance of young people in unclear circumstances, Ms Arodi was categorical that youth have their rights and should be protected.
While citing the case of Brian Odhiambo, Arodi called on all stakeholders and government agencies to ensure justice is served so that Brian’s family can have peace.
“We don’t want to fight with the government on this issues. Let’s work together and ensure justice is served,” stated Ms Arodi.