The Ogiek, an indigenous community in Kenya, found within the Mau Forest complex and Chepkitale forest in Mt Elgon are yet to receive their justice despite the winning Land Mark ruling in African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR) on 26th May 2017 against the Kenyan Government. It is almost exactly three years down the line, and the Kenyan government is yet to implement it. Delayed implementation of their case has subjected them to continued suffering for decades.
The Ogiek are set to commemorate their 3rd anniversary on Tuesday 26th May 2020 since the African Court delivered a landmark ruling in their favour against the Kenyan Government. The African court ruled that the Kenyan Government had violated seven articles of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
Kenya is a signatory of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights with the mandate to protect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The day also serves a reminder as it reminds them of the day they were recognized as an indigenous community in Kenya with distinct cultures.
With the continued spread of COVID 19 pandemic across the world, the Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (OPDP) and the Ogiek community will commemorate the day virtually in adherence to the Ministry of Health regulations that prohibit gatherings.
Joins us as we celebrate the day through our social media handles. In Facebook: Ogiek People’s Development Program-OPDP, Twitter @ogiekpeoples, and on our YouTube channel: Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program.