The brutal killing of Albert Ojwang in a police cell should come as a stark reminder that Kenya’s pursuit of economic development is hollow without safeguarding human rights. While leaders have been loud on GDP growth, infrastructure projects and fiscal reforms, they must be reminded that the worrying trend of violent suppression of dissent and disregard for human dignity undermine the very gains they have been touting. True progress demands that human rights and economic development go hand in hand.
For too long, African governments have framed human rights as a Western luxury, secondary to economic growth. Look at our history, look at our neighbors! A flawed and dangerous mindset, as argued by scholars like Professor Kibwana in his paper Human Rights and/or Economic Development.
Economic development without freedom of expression, access to justice or the right to protest can only breed inequality, corruption and instability which in turn stalls long-term growth. Didn’t our Economic growth in 2024 slow down to 4.7% from 5.7% in 2023 courtesy of issues around Finance Bill 2024? Reduced investments, stifled innovation and disruption of essential services and trade. If still in doubt look at economic trends of countries grappling with human rights issues. Sudan, North Korea, and Haiti!
Human rights empower individuals to drive economic progress. These rights and freedoms ensure accountability, directing resources to be used efficiently. Additionally, strong institutions, built on transparency and the rule of law, are essential for economic stability. When citizens trust institutions to protect their rights, they engage in entrepreneurship and other nation building ventures, pay taxes and support development goals. Conversely, state violence and impunity, as in Ojwang’s case, erode public confidence in our systems weakening the economy.
Kenya must therefore not leave human rights behind. Economic progress without dignity, justice, and freedom is neither sustainable nor meaningful. Ojwang’s death is a call to action where we must champion human rights to build a truly prosperous future, where roads and good macroeconomic indicators are matched by the freedom to live, speak, and thrive!
