Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised the upcoming Africa Forward Summit, saying Kenya was selected to host the meeting because of divisions among Francophone countries and not because of the country’s democratic record.
Speaking at Seed of Hope Church in Donholm, Nairobi, Kalonzo urged President William Ruto not to celebrate the summit, arguing that Kenya continues to face challenges linked to human rights, justice and freedom of expression.
The summit is expected to bring together African leaders, investors, civil society organisations and private sector players to discuss economic growth and development across the continent.
However, the event has already drawn criticism from sections of the opposition. Kalonzo claimed Kenya’s selection should not be viewed as a major diplomatic achievement, saying traditional Africa-France engagements have often been led by Francophone nations.
“There is a lot of realignment in West Africa, and that is how they convinced Ruto to host the event in Kenya,” said Kalonzo.
The opposition leader also questioned Kenya’s democratic credentials, saying the country is experiencing growing public dissatisfaction and injustice.
“While Kenya is a nation under stress, there are a lot of injustices while we pretend we respect democracy,” he said.
Kalonzo further linked his concerns to the killing of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari of PCEA Tabuga Church in Lanet, Nakuru County, saying justice had not yet been achieved.
“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,” he said.
At the same time, Kalonzo called for investigations into claims that foreigners were illegally obtaining Kenyan identification documents and passports, which he argued could pose security and electoral risks.
“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.
He also criticised political leaders who discourage rivals from visiting certain regions, saying democracy allows every leader to speak freely in any part of the country.
