Re: Murugi apologizes over HIV/Aids remarks/First Lady Lucy Kibaki respond

February 3, 2011

Meanwhile...read the comments that follows

First Lady faults Murugi over HIV/Aids remarks

By Muindi, bmuindi@... Wednesday, February 2 2011

at 18:29

Mrs Kibaki took on Ms Murugi over a proposal she floated during a

parliamentarians' seminar that people living with HIV be secluded or confined.

In a statement to the newsrooms Wednesday evening, Mrs Kibaki told the public

" to ignore such impractical and and retrogressive public utterances that

threatened to erode gains achieved in the fight against HIV. "

She said that over 1.45 million Kenyans currently living with the HIV deserve

care, love and compassion and not confinement or seclusion as suggested by the

Minister.

" Moreover, the proposal would entail a gross violation of the fundamental rights

of individuals to move freely and associate and is contrary to basic human

virtues of showing love, care and compassion to those facing health challenges. "

Noting that she has devotedly been involved in the fight against the pandemic,

through the Kenya Chapter of the Organisation of African First Ladies against

HIV, Mrs Kibaki affirmed that confinement not only amount to violation of

fundamental human rights but also aggravates stigmatization of infected persons.

" As a Kenyan who has been centrally involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in

Africa, I take great exception to remarks attributed to the Ms Murugi. "

She said stigmatisation was one of the key impediments in curbing spread of the

syndrome due to reluctance by citizens to know their status for fear of social

disgrace.

" Stigmatisation, as we all appreciate, has been one of the key hindrances in the

fight against HIV/AIDS. It is one of the main reasons why many people are

afraid to see a doctor to determine whether they are infected or not; and to

seek treatment if they are infected. Consequently, it makes individuals

reluctant to access HIV testing, treatment and care. "

She said isolation was the worst form of stigmatising AIDS patients.

The First Lady added that the situation would worsen because stigmatisation had

thus turned AIDS into a silent killer yet early testing and interventions would

enable many people lead normal lives if they adjusted accordingly.

" Needless to say, the locking up of HIV/AIDS infected people entails their

social, physical and psychological isolation which is the worst form of

stigmatizing HIV/AIDS. "

She attributed the tremendous achievements realised in reduction of prevailing

HIV prevalence to successful campaigns in fighting stigmatisation and

eradicating fear among Kenyans to undergo voluntary tests, going public about

their status and adjusting their lives accordingly.

" While the overall prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS was as high as 14 per cent in the

1980 and 1990s, the prevalence rate has currently dropped to an estimated 6.3

per cent among those aged between 15 and 64 years. "

" This has been possible because Kenyans are not afraid of undergoing the

necessary tests, going public about their status and adjusting their lives

appropriately. I, therefore, urge Kenyans to ignore unfortunate proposals that

are not only impractical but also retrogressive. We must not erode the gains

that we have made in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. "

Source:

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/First%20Lady%20takes%20on%20Murugi%20over%20HIV%20A\

ids%20remarks/-/1056/1100442/-/13jyibqz/-/index.html

Submitted by wamartha78

Posted February 03, 2011 08:16 PM

As the first lady pointed out, people should just ignore Murugi`s remarks, she

is way out of her mind!We have come a long way with the fight against Hiv/Aids,

we should be moving forward, not backwards as Murugi proposes

#

Submitted by Rashcali

Posted February 03, 2011 07:47 PM

Even if HIV is not an issue in our village that much at least for now, Mrs.

Kibaki is right. Stigma is mbaya kushinda virusi. I think minister Mirugi should

tell Kenyans what she actually meant by seclusion. This is gross incompetence,

lack of knowledge and nonsense coming from pple in high place due to nepotism,

not merit as required,.abdi in Elwak, mandera

#

Submitted by wuod_aketch

Posted February 03, 2011 07:22 PM

Esther Murugi's remarks must have been taken out of their context. I do not

think a whole minister can be that stupid!

#

Submitted by kitise

Posted February 03, 2011 06:00 PM

I'm in complete solidarity with the first lady on this one. Ministers (and

people) who think like Esther Murugi don't deserve a place in Kenya and/or in

the world. Such utterances should be loudly condemned in broad daylight!

#

Submitted by wwachira2271

Posted February 03, 2011 05:39 PM

Thanks mama Lucy for the voice of reason.

#

Submitted by kellygakonya

Posted February 03, 2011 04:14 PM

Why now? Lucy has been kept out of the limelight for ages. I suspect this is a

classical diversionary tactic by State House. A vain attempt at deflecting

public attention from the great quetion of the day.

#

Submitted by 3lisa1

Posted February 03, 2011 03:16 PM

@tuffgong, Its upto you to improve your own living standards, you can't wait for

the president's wife to do it for you. She made an important statement, she did

not bicker.

#

Submitted by tuffgong

Posted February 03, 2011 02:45 PM

How many first ladies does Kenya have currently?Back to point Lucy should look

at other avenues such as improving living standard's ie creating jobs,education

on proper balanced diet,proper and clean living accomodation and clean water

instead of bickering and stigmatisation.

#

Submitted by okamala

Posted February 03, 2011 01:27 PM

Sometimes I just wonder of the Hon Lady. Last time it was about gays and

lesbians being recognized to minimize HIV, as if treatment is based on sex

orientation, now this. Where I beg does the Hon Minister suppose we should lock

them, and how about sustainability?

#

Submitted by ShManzar

Posted February 03, 2011 12:56 PM

Lucy Kibaki, do grow up please. You may have a point but you do not know how to

make a point.

#

Submitted by makobuya

Posted February 03, 2011 12:18 PM

For the first time in a very long while, i completely agree with the first lady.

Did someone say Mrs Murugi used to be a teacher? she is such a shame to

teachers!!!!! How does she suggest we lock away 1.4 million kenyans? some of

them ministers ( i dare add foolish ministers)like herself.

#

Submitted by staircase

Posted February 03, 2011 12:15 PM

@Toddo, You made my day, and to the first lady i say thumps up.

#

Submitted by xalo

Posted February 03, 2011 11:37 AM

If her comments are true, I suggest we seclude and confine Ms. Murugi for the

good of society at large. Who in their right mind would want to further

traumatise those who are suffering? @martin okumu - last time I checked, we were

living in a fallen world and that is why those who profess the Christian faith

understand the basic concepts of love, mercy, and forgiveness. Try not to be

haughty.

#

Submitted by shene

Posted February 03, 2011 11:31 AM

This will be the best comign from the First Lady in a long long time. I'm behind

you First Lady.

#

Submitted by Mutangili1

Posted February 03, 2011 11:29 AM

Lady don't play Idi Amin on Kenyan soil

#

Submitted by petndungu

Posted February 03, 2011 11:25 AM

Those who are aware of their status and knowingly infect others should go to

jail or be isolated. In the western countries, there have been cases of HIV +ve

people going to jail for spreading/infecting others

#

Submitted by Ckhainga

Posted February 03, 2011 11:23 AM

it is really supprisingthat from a minister who should be campaigning aganst the

stigma that comes with HIV/AIDS.Her suggestion means that if there was away of

introducing a law that could incriminate the vitims so that they can be jailed

and removed from the society. please madam think it can be you or your

son/daugter.

#

Submitted by elizabethmaish

Posted February 03, 2011 11:01 AM

Ms Murugi you want to say in your extended family no one is infected? If so do

you isolate him/her? Think again my dear mama. I salute first lady she is the

only one who cares the poor Kenyans

#

Submitted by owano222

Posted February 03, 2011 10:35 AM

Hon`able Murugi, have you seriously thot of the effects and far reaching

implications of seclusion of HIV/AIDs people?I am really shocked!Think again....

#

Submitted by kenyamember

Posted February 03, 2011 09:52 AM

@martin_okumu, are you saying that you agree with Murugi that all HIV/AIDS

people be confined to one place because you believe that they got it through

adultery? You need to repent even for such a thought and especially if you are

seriously saved. What they need is compassion, love, mercy and not judgement.

Those are the teachings of my Savior.

#

Submitted by jmeme

Posted February 03, 2011 09:11 AM

" We thought murugi was a compassionate lady when she defended the gay

community " .But her rhetorics makes us think otherwise.

#

Submitted by 3lisa1

Posted February 03, 2011 09:00 AM

Thank you mama taifa. Finally a voice of compassion is heard. And i think Murugi

n the likes of her should be confined instead

#

Submitted by NJOROGEmuturi

Posted February 03, 2011 08:57 AM

I agree with you First Lady, the minister was long on her remarks to isolate the

HIV AIDS victims.Bravo Your Excellency Muthoni Kibaki.

#

Submitted by iawe

Posted February 03, 2011 08:54 AM

Murugi comes across as a person who doesn't weigh her words before uttering

them. This is yet another time she's courting controversy. Thank you Lucy for

putting Murugi in her right place.

#

Submitted by kiwiko

Posted February 03, 2011 08:49 AM

Well spoken first lady.

#

Submitted by Mac_Haudry

Posted February 03, 2011 08:46 AM

The ONLY way to bring an end to this scourge is to bring GOD into life. It means

changing. Choosing the best rules of God, changing cultures and attitudes. BUT a

materialistic society will not allow this to happen. What satan offers is more

attractive

#

Submitted by PURITY4333

Posted February 03, 2011 08:21 AM

Mrs. Murugi, Are you immune to being HIV positive or your people? You need to be

confined first yourself. You're not worthy or qualified enough judging by your

comments to hold any office never mind a public one!

#

Submitted by bobcats

Posted February 03, 2011 08:18 AM

@ martin okumu, i am glad you know God and so do i, but the point of our

contention is you alluding that it has to sexually transmitted,even innocent

children are H.I.V, you are stigmatizing and doing no one no good. Just try and

not discriminate and judge. Even Jesus would not.

#

Submitted by Iroja

Posted February 03, 2011 07:38 AM

Ms Murugi it helps to think before opening your mouth. You're a senior

government official. You should realize that your office wields substantial

power and caution should be exercised when making public utterances.

#

Submitted by dicksonino

Posted February 03, 2011 06:07 AM

If Lucy Kibaki can reason like this how come Mwai Kibaki cannot reason by

serving justice to the thousands who lost their lives in 2007/8 by allowing the

6 suspects to face Ocampo. Bravo Lucy those are some sane Remarks.

#

Submitted by joecking

Posted February 03, 2011 05:41 AM

I want to put a spanner in the works! Hon. Murugi should resign.

#

Submitted by markmusilu

Posted February 03, 2011 04:33 AM

Murugi,Apologize and Resign.

#

Submitted by caregiver

Posted February 03, 2011 03:36 AM

Now i think this Murugi lady should pack n go. Here she says we lock em up...the

other time she was all hulla balloo abt Kenyans embracing gays n homos. This

lady is a time bomb waiting to explode....next maybe she will say we accept

Al-shabab as a life style.

#

Submitted by Jannadas

Posted February 03, 2011 02:34 AM

This I believe is the first time your are talking senses keep it up.

#

Submitted by wakuria

Posted February 02, 2011 09:06 PM

Bravo Mrs Kibaki on a coherent, articulate and well reasoned rebuttal to an

idiotic proposal by a minister no less. Hope to hear more.

#

Submitted by cyberspc

Posted February 02, 2011 08:59 PM

Murugi, seclusion is not the solution. Where do you want to send them--Hitler's

concentration camps? You are NUTS.

#

Submitted by toddo

Posted February 02, 2011 08:47 PM

Terro them Rucy!

#

Submitted by Reuben from reading

Posted February 02, 2011 08:40 PM

Unless you recklessly step on First lady's toes otherwise she always articulate,

focused, non-partisan and with real compassionate heart of the under-preveleged

Kenyans.That is the voice educated former high school headmistress not excited

minister like Murugi.

#

Submitted by mukarara

Posted February 02, 2011 08:35 PM

First Lady you are a leader God bless you

#

Submitted by villamagome

Posted February 02, 2011 08:25 PM

Are you looking for decisive action from a highly disciplined cabinet -- VOTE

LUCY KIBAKI FOR PRESIDENT 2012.

#

Submitted by juju

Posted February 02, 2011 08:22 PM

That's the most intelligent thing I've heard from our leaders in a looooong

time! I give the First Lady praise for that because she rocks and have an

aptitude to think critically, make informed and intelligent decisions. May the

" Big Men of Africa " follow her wisdom!

#

Submitted by cnjuguna74

Posted February 02, 2011 08:18 PM

Hon. Murugi was way of base with her remarks. In this day and age, no one should

be making such suggestions in public. And certainly not a cabinet minister.

#

Submitted by davidkamenwa

Posted February 02, 2011 08:17 PM

Thanks Mrs. president. its very irresponsible 4 persons of murugis status and

knowledge to even jokingly suggest what she said. am surprised she still holds a

public office.

#

Submitted by mkimero

Posted February 02, 2011 08:15 PM

No disrespect Ms Murugi you definitely need confinement yourself! It's time you

did the decent thing and resigned! You're not worthy or qualified enough judging

by your comments to hold any office never mind a public one!

#

Submitted by jobeka1

Posted February 02, 2011 08:14 PM

I really don't get Murugi. Is she the same woman falling over herself telling

Kenyans to accept gay people and now she wants Hiv positive people locked up?

Does she know her family and her stand a greater chance of getting Hiv than them

turning gay?! Now i see why the IDPS are still in camps,pity they aint gay!

#

Submitted by martin_okumu

Posted February 02, 2011 08:11 PM

Hypocricy aside, abstinence is the solution for AIDS.@bobcats, not all men are

at risk; Some are under very strong protection from above, even HIV will flee

the antidote. Try it one day.

#

Submitted by ambasadiva

Posted February 02, 2011 08:06 PM

These are words of wisdom from the first lady.The title " Hon " title needs to be

honored by those who bear it.Murugi, you owe all the affected and the infected

an apology,

#

Submitted by ohioWITpassion

Posted February 02, 2011 08:02 PM

Our First Lady always makes sense whenever she speaks. I wish our leaders like

Ngilu and Murugi can emulate her. Acceptance and good nutrition is a big factor

in fighting off the disease. Above all your Faith. God i don't know how Murugi

got that ministerial position!

#

Submitted by bobcats

Posted February 02, 2011 07:45 PM

What people like @martin okumu and the rest must understand that H.I.I is more

prevalent in marriages nowadays. The innocent wives and husbands did not call

for it either. Any human being can be at risk. I mean nay, no need to

stigmatize. No need.

#

Submitted by dnkiragu

Posted February 02, 2011 07:27 PM

Asante mama. At least we have you. In advanced nations Murugi could have been

forced to resign for the retrogressive utterances as a public officer.

#

Submitted by Boshi

Posted February 02, 2011 07:27 PM

Hon Mirugi,its too sad .Your remarks needs to be withdrawn and apologize to the

public !!

#

Submitted by maugo1234

Posted February 02, 2011 07:26 PM

Great statement from the First Lady! I wonder why Murugi thinks that those with

HIV/AIDS should be stigmatised. As the First Lady has said these people need our

love, care, and compassion. They are members of our families; brother, sister,

mother, father, uncle, cousin, nephew, etc. Such extremist views by Murugi are

unacceptable!

#

Submitted by wachwanj

Posted February 02, 2011 07:23 PM

thank yuo First Lady. Tell the minister that she belongs to the old school, if

she cant move with the times, let her stay at home

#

Submitted by Bobcy

Posted February 02, 2011 07:15 PM

This is a great statement coming from Mrs Kibaki. I hope everyone is listening.

#

Submitted by burtonmaina

Posted February 02, 2011 07:06 PM

Good statement her excellency

#

Submitted by mozenrat

Posted February 02, 2011 07:01 PM

I think anyone making such comments in this century is sick in the head and

should be confined

#

Submitted by geofred

Posted February 02, 2011 07:00 PM

I concur with First Lady 100%. Whoever appoints people like Murugi to

ministerial positions should first consult the first lady!

#

Submitted by Katiba04

Posted February 02, 2011 06:59 PM

I am with First lady. HIV does not pass by osmosis.

#

Submitted by martin_okumu

Posted February 02, 2011 06:55 PM

Lets face it, most HIV/AIDS infections are as a result of adultery and

fornications.

#

Submitted by waguras

Posted February 02, 2011 06:53 PM

Go girl! Now we see a first lady in you Lucy!

#

Submitted by ogwilo

Posted February 02, 2011 06:49 PM

Then people with jiggers and other diseases that can spread should be confined.

Those who cough, those who have flu, a cold and those who have TB without

HIV/AIDS should be confined MS Murugi. She must be in her bad dreams of a

Utopian world where everyone is immortal and with no sign of any disease! Mrs

Kibaki I think that this one you are so right

#

Submitted by yesuwangu

Posted February 02, 2011 06:47 PM

Ndio Mama.Atleast hiyo we support you kabisa it is you only who can encounter

some kitchen matters like that.Why would a whole minister try to imprison

innocent kenyans some who where infected due to negligence of others like

Children and others through medical carelessnes.Infact Murugi should neve be

anywhere close to power he might surprise and provoke Kenyans with strange

thoughts.Its like she never grew up in Kenya

February 3, 2011