In Kenya, there has been a rise in protesting. The government has banned protesting and so, as a result, the citizens of Kenya have defiantly begun twenty-eight protests. However, unfortunately, that is not all of what makes this story seem tragic. Americans possess the right of free speech which, clearly, Kenyans do not. At many of the protests, the police were given the write to shoot to kill. What would typically appear to be a peaceful protest was dragged from that state and into one of mass murder. The body count is into the dozens now. The “shoot to kill” policy is unofficial, but the police are denying anything that could possibly be defined as “foul play.”
The death count from December 27th has now risen to 575.
This is absolutely unacceptable. There is an innate irony in the fact that protesters are protesting for their right to protest, however, that does not excuse the actions of the police. Their denial of exactly what is going on is almost astounding. The story is not only tragic, but the actions of the police are nothing short of immoral. Perhaps their government has different views on freedom of speech, but protests have a part in why the United States has become such a progressive country. This seems to be setting back their nation decades and does not lend itself to the national ardor. If the government wants the support of its citizens, they should not kill the most passionate. If the fervor was directed towards a positive cause, Kenya would be able to thrive rather than fall.
http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=680295
4 comments:
I am inclined to agree with your opinions regarding this terrible issue.
One question immediately comes to mind: Why is the Kenyan government so hell-bent on stopping protests of any kind? What exactly, if anything, are they hiding? What issues would be the first to be protested if the government allowed protests?
Why does the government feel that protests are detrimental?
It puts so many things in perspective regarding the freedoms we have in relation to other countries. Their are tyrranical governments all over the world that severly mistreat it's citizens. The death of so many innocent lives is a testament to how large the gap is between some nations regarding domestic policy.
This article should bring awareness to others about exactly how free we are.It is a shame that people are being killed because of what they beleive in. I wonder exactly what the protest would have changed if they were allowed to protest?
It's a shame that every time a new president comes into office in Kenya, there is a mass disruption. In this instance, I think the government has reacted too quickly to the protests of the Kenyans. If they would just step back and consider why they are protesting, it might make it slightly easier.
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