Dr. Martin Luther King’s first-born son, Martin Luther King III and his wife Arndrea Waters King have appealed to protestors and police officers in Kenya to uphold non-violent means when advocating for justice.
The duo, currently visiting Kenya, emphasised the importance of voicing one’s opinions in a civil and just manner that doesn’t infringe another person’s rights.
They noted that such spirit embodies the call upheld by his father, Dr King in the 1950s
“My father and mother held an unwavering commitment to non-violence and civil rights which transformed the landscape of America and inspired movements for justice and equality worldwide. We stand before you today on your land here in Kenya not as strangers but as fellow travellers on the road to peace, justice and equity. The world watches Kenya as its citizens take to the streets to make their voices heard in protests,” he said.
“We implore you to remember the profound power of non-violent protests. It is a profound expression of moral courage. It is a powerful and just weapon which cuts without wounding and nobles the man who wields it.”
They also expressed grief over the death of protestors during the demonstrations and urged the police officers to use non-violent tactics.
President William Ruto, in his state briefing on Wednesday, confirmed that six people died in the demonstrations and 214 were injured. From this, 95 were already discharged from hospitals while 14 were still receiving medical treatment.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of protestors and violence and burning parts of the Parliament building. We implore protestors and security forces to use non-violent tactics at this time,” she noted.
“The greatest legislative strides my dad and his team made such as the passing of the Civil Rights Act were realised through non-violent tactics. My parents envisioned a non-violent community based on justice, equal opportunity and love for one’s fellow human beings.”
