Dr. Isaac Kinity //Photo Courtesy
Former trade unionist Dr. Isaac Kinity has intensified his campaign for a salary increase for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers.
In a letter to the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Kinity stated that KDF officers are among the lowest-paid soldiers in East Africa, earning a minimum salary of Kshs. 7,172 ($55) per month.
He compared this to Tanzania, where soldiers earn a minimum of $413, Burundi at $178, and Rwanda at $170.
Kinity alleged that the Kenya Kwanza administration favors the police because they serve as personal security, ensuring their loyalty while top government officials continue to loot public funds.
He accused the government of misusing tax revenue, grants, and loans while military officers struggle to feed their families.
The activist said that despite not being under COTU’s representation, KDF officers deserve labor advocacy.
He challenged Atwoli to take up their plight or step aside for someone willing to fight for them. Dr. Kinity reminded Atwoli of their past collaboration during the Moi era when they worked together to push for civil servants’ rights.
The seasoned human rights activist also criticized Kenya’s deployment of police officers to Haiti, saying the government is risking their lives in exchange for foreign funding.
Dr. Kinity copied his letter to international organizations, including the International Labour Organization, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, calling for global attention to what he termed the mistreatment of Kenya’s military personnel.
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