Kenyan debt demonstrators rejoice as charges for 'illegal' march are dropped

Makadara Court in Nairobi was the unusual scene of singing and dancing on Monday 22^nd May, as supporters rejoiced the dropping of charges against 63 arrested debt campaigners. The campaigners were in court to face trial for holding an 'illegal assembly' following the violent disruption by police of a peaceful march for debt cancellation on 13^th April.

Full story of Debt March and Arrests

The police prosecutor announced that the State had decided not to proceed with the case, at which point the judge declared the 63 demonstrators discharged. Sister Anne Itotia, who was present described the resulting scene: "Once the judge had declared that all were discharged, a sense of relief was released among the accused. The relief became a joy-filled dance out of court, which was caught up by the crowd waiting outside. Jubilation was everywhere - a rare scene, I would say, in the Makadara courts. They were met with songs asking for justice and love in Africa and saying that 'debt is bad'."

The charges were almost certainly dropped as a result of concerted international pressure by Jubilee 2000 campaigns around the world. As soon as news of the arrests was circulated, letters started to stream into Kenya. Brother Andre Hotchkiss, one of the arrested marchers said: "Without the avalanche of e-mail, fax, and letters that poured into Kenya, this thing may have pushed on for a longer time."

The experience of solidarity has fuelled a renewed commitment in the struggle against debt bondage in Kenya. Sister Anne Itotia said: "As Jubilee 2000 campaigners for debt cancellation, here is an example of what we can do together to raise awareness of the injustices of the world. We acted as one big family and the charges were dropped in Nairobi. In unity we stand. Let us add more fuel now to our campaign and continue to call for the cancellation of the debt of the most impoverished nations."