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Rights group wants Sonko disciplined by Jubilee over albinos slight

“The Commission takes great exception to the Senator’s utterances and brings to his attention that persons with albinism in Kenya, and indeed globally, are facing some of the most extreme forms of human rights violations,” she stated/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) now wants the Jubilee Party to institute disciplinary action against Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko over derogatory remarks he made in a TV interview against albinos.

In a statement, the Commission’s Chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori said that the Constitution has placed high premium on political parties, key among them the responsibility to respect the rights of all persons including minorities and marginalized persons.

“The Commission takes great exception to the Senator’s utterances and brings to his attention that persons with albinism in Kenya, and indeed globally, are facing some of the most extreme forms of human rights violations,” she stated.

“Article 10 (b) expressly speaks to the principle of human dignity, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalised. Article 54 of the Constitution further safeguards persons with disability by guaranteeing them the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to be referred to in a manner that is not demeaning,” she said.

She explained that Chapter 6 of the Constitution emphasises the need for State and public officers to always conduct themselves with integrity.

“On Leadership and Integrity, the Constitution under Chapter 6 calls on State and public officers to conduct themselves in a manner that brings honour and dignity to the public office they hold. It is clear that the Senator has gone against these provisions,” she said.

She reminded Sonko and other political leaders and aspirants of their obligation to observe the rule of law during the electioneering period.

“As KNCHR, we wish to restate our commitment to working in collaboration with the Albinism Society of Kenya so as to advance the rights of persons with Albinism in Kenya,” she said.

“The daily experiences of persons with albinism such as the disparaging reference by the Senator is indicative of the fact that a lot still needs to be done by the government and other key actors to reverse this trend.”

Sonko during the show over the weekend ruled out the possibility of stepping down for or working with his arch rival Peter Kenneth and used unsavoury language to describe him based on his skin colour.

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