Speaking in Donholm at Seed of Hope Church, Kalonzo urged President William Ruto not to celebrate the event, saying that despite Kenya’s image as a peaceful and democratic nation, the reality is marked by public distress, human rights violations, and suppression of the opposition.
The gathering expected to bring together African leaders, investors, civil society groups, and private sector players to discuss continental economic growth and development, has already sparked debate from the opposition.
Kalonzo says Kenya’s selection as host should not be overly glorified, saying that the traditional Africa-France summits have largely been dominated by Francophone nations and claims Kenya’s opportunity comes amid divisions among those countries.
“There is a lot of realignment in West Africa, and that is how they convinced Ruto to host the event in Kenya,” said Kalonzo.
Kalonzo insists President William Ruto should not chest-thump over Kenya hosting the summit on the basis of democracy and freedom, arguing that the country still faces serious concerns over human rights, freedom of expression, and freedom of worship.
“While Kenya is a nation under stress, there are a lot of injustices while we pretend we respect democracy,” he said.
Kalonzo says Kenya cannot claim to uphold freedom of worship while justice remains elusive in the killing of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari of PCEA Tabuga Church in Lanet, Nakuru County.
“Tomorrow will be an important day as African leaders gather in Nairobi while the country buries a spiritual leader. We hope they won’t teargas us as they have done before, even in church. A spiritual leader can be murdered in a church in Nakuru PCEA and justice has not been served.”
The Wiper leader also called for investigations into allegations that foreigners, especially from Somalia, are illegally acquiring Kenyan identification documents and passports. He says such claims raise national security concerns and questions about the integrity of future elections.
“Truck drivers from Mogadishu, Somalia—178 of them were issued IDs after paying some money, and within three weeks they had IDs. They are also asking them to use those IDs to get Kenyan passports,” he said.
The Wiper leader also condemned sentiments by some politicians suggesting that certain leaders are unwelcome in specific parts of the country.
He insists true democracy means every Kenyan leader should be free to visit and speak in any region.
