PEN Kenya condemns in the strongest spirit possible the attack on the person of Okoiti Okiya Omtatah on 8 November 2012 and the attempts and threats on his life which he has often spoken about. Regardless of the reasons for his attack, we know Omtatah to be a voice of free expression, a political activist as well as a writer. We know that he has lost a tooth before after an attack by the then acting boss the Nairobi Central Police Station Richard Mugwai (now transferred but who was promoted after he beat up several activists) and that case is documented. We know that Okoiti continues being a political activist and that he was attacked outside the Nairobi Police station and he lies in hospital with a deep gash on his head and more lost teeth.

Silencing the voices of the outspoken is meant to instil fear in one and all. Insecurity in Kenya is a matter of grave concern. We urge one and all not to be intimidated and condemn this case and others fearlessly as we look to an election year. We must be secure in Kenya and enjoy all our freedoms. May justice be served to Omtatah and his attackers be brought to book. We must be the defenders of justice and peace since justice and peace have been prevented from being our shield and defender for many years now.

Philo Ikonya
Austria,Vienna
09-10.2012
Member, PEN Kenya
Board Member, PEN International