Isaac Newton Kinity

Isaac Newton Kinity (born August 1954 in Elburgon, Kenya) is the Chairman of KIKIMO Foundation for Corruption & Poverty Eradication. He is also the first and current Global Vice-Chairman of the Diaspora Movement of Kenya. He is a human rights activist. Mr. Kinity was born in an era characterized by poverty and a struggling Kenya and his early childhood was characterized by many challenges associated with poverty and a very tough living environment. This includes the death of his father from poisoning by a fellow school teacher when Newton was only six months old.
Mr. Kinity went to the University of New Haven, Connecticut; U.S.A. in 2003 where he was elected Secretary of the Undergraduate Student Government Association from 2004 to 2005.
Originally from Elburgon, Kenya, Kinity is described a relentless human rights activist who will stop at nothing while demanding justice, accountability and transparency. He has been involved in many organizations that champion good governance, accountability and transparency. One such role is as Chairman of a clandestine revolutionary movement-K.R.R.C. (Kenya Revolutionary Redemption Council - K.R.R.C.) that was fighting for good governance in Kenya during the Daniel arap Moi era and also Secretary General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union in the period 1995 through 1998. Kinity was considered to be a major thorn in former presidents Moi side and the Moi Regime organized for Kinity's "termination" 6 times. He is a human rights activist who has vowed never to stop the fight for the justice and the rights of Kenyan nationals and all citizens of any country around the world.
Kinity has served in various capacities in various organizations concerned with fighting corruption, violation of civil rights, refugee services, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and students. Kinity is or has been an official for several organizations, and has been demanding transparency and accountability in government and all facets of society. One such demand was for an account of some 30 Million Shillings (US$ 430,000) donated by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) to the Kenya Water Institute . These funds were meant to pay for the expansion of the institute but misappropriated by the Principal of Kenya Water Institute in or around 1988.
Mr. Kinity was also subjected to harassment and intimidation by the former president Daniel arap Moi Regime between the years 1995 through 1998 while fighting for the legal rights and benefits of civil servants as well as the fight against corruption within Kenya. Though Mr. Kinity partially recovered from one of the 6 attempt on his life, the attempt led to Kinity's loss of eyesight and paralysis in his right side.
Kinity would eventually seek help for treatment from friends and comrades within the Africa Trade Union Movement before his eventual escape to Uganda and hence to the United States of America to evade the threats on his life. While in the United States, Mr. Kinity has maintained an active role in the U.S. Civil rights movement and engaged in many community projects that help refugees, fellow members of the Kenya Community and most recently, started advocating for the assistance of Kenya’s Internally Displaced Persons .
Parliamentary Discussion
In June and July 1997, members of the National Assembly of Kenya (Parliament), discussed the fate of the Kenya Civil Servants Union, the Union’s assets and properties worth more than Kshs. 60 billion and Mr Kinity himself. Main tenets of discussion were:
* The illegal confiscation by the Moi government of Kshs. 60 billion worth of assets and properties owned by the Kenya Civil Servants Union.
* The invalidation of the Kenya Civil Servants Union which was (founded in 1959) in 1980 by former president Daniel arap Moi through a dictatorial presidential decree.
* Harassment and intimidation of Isaac Newton Kinity through the years by the Moi Regime.
* Parliament demanded that the government unconditionaly cease and desist from harassing Isaac Newton Kinity and to allow him to continue running the union as Secretary General and allow him to continue to help the Kenya Civil Servants.
US Congress Contribution
In June 2005, Mr. Kinity also wrote a letter to the United States Congress, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, RNC, the President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare,President of the Save the COLA Campaign, President of the Campaign to Save Social Security and Medicare, Senators Chris Dodd and Joseph Lieberman and the Chairman of Senior Citizen League providing information on the proper handling of the debate on the privatization of U.S. Social Security (. His contribution was acknowledged and had an impact on the debate and hence halted the privatization of Social Security.
Kenya Diaspora Involvement
Mr. Kinity is now the Global Vice Chairman of the Diaspora Movement of Kenya in the fight against poor governance in Kenya. He also maintains an active role in the the fight against corruption as Chairman of the KIKIMO Foundation for Corruption and Poverty Eradication whose offices are based in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Kinity has a strong belief that without the eradication of corruption, poverty will remain in African countries and this will continue to encourage Kenyans and Africans alike to become part of any organization that fights these social ills.
Kinity has received several Merit Award Certificates for his Service, dedication and sacrifice for the American People while in the United States.
Early life and career
Isaac Newton Kinity was born in August 1954 near Michinda School in Elburgon, Kenya. He is the son of Samuel Mote Kinity and Rahab Wangui Kinity. Kinity's father died six months after he was born. His father, unfortunately, died of poison from a cup of tea given to him by a fellow teacher at a ten o’clock school break. Soon after his father’s death, the rest of the family relocated to Nessuit Forest Station in Nakuru District where Newton’s grandfather, a preacher with the Presbyterian Church, was employed to look after young government commercial trees. Newton then joined Grade 1 in 1960 at Nessuit Primary School.
In 1962, Newton transferred to Bondeni Primary School in Nakuru. He would be appointed prefect at the age of 8 years by his teacher, Mr. Javan.
In 1964, Newton went back to Nessuit Primary where he completed his elementary education. His early childhood was surrounded by numerous challenges associated with poverty and a rough living environment. Some of the challenges included using light from firewood to do his homework, finding himself at war with sparks as they fell on his books.
After completing his elementary education in 1966, Newton joined Nakuru Day Secondary School in 1967 and completed in 1970. He went on to work at Mau View Lodge and Imani Chain of Hotels. He would later become employed by the Ministry of Water Development as a Water Supply Operator in 1972, rising to the rank of Operator in charge of water supplies, coordinator of water supply activities and environmental assistant in Rift Valley Province. In Kenya, Newton also attended advancement courses at the following institutions:
* 1979 / 1980: Ministry of Water Development Staff Training School - Intermediate & Advanced Water Supply Operations <br
* 1981 to 1983 : Mombasa Industrial Training Center - Diesel Engine Mechanics
* 1988: Mombasa Polytechnic - Mechanical Engineering Course
* 1989 to 1992: Kenya Water Institute - Environmental Technology
From 2003 to 2005, Newton would proceed to the United States to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at the University of New Haven, Connecticut. He was elected Secretary of the Undergraduate Student Government Association from 2004 to 2005 while a student at the university.
Leadership Positions in Kenya
1. 1984 to 1988 - Secretary - Nakuru Water Development Welfare Association
2. 1988 - Secretary of Dinning and Accommodation - Mombasa Polytechnic.
3. 1990 to 1991 - Secretary of the Student Council, - Kenya Water Institute
4. 1990 - Lead Organizer: Organized a protest to demand accountability for Kshs. 30 Million (US$ 430,000) donated by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). These funds were meant to pay for the expansion of the institute but misappropriated by the Principal of Kenya Water Institute.
5. 1995 to 1998 - Secretary General, Kenya Civil Servants Union (also launched a rival in February 1997 at Chester House, Nairobi)
* 1997 (June 11) - Arrested together with Union Treasurer Mr. Nelson Ngoo. Authorities made the arrests in an effort to thwart a strike organized for the same day in Nairobi, Kenya
* 1997 (June) - Kinity is dismissed from the Civil Service on grounds that he was engaged with the activities of a banned union - the Kenya Civil Servants Union.
Harassment & Threats on Newton Kinity’s Life
The Period 1985 to 1991
This period was a time when Mr. Kinity and others began the struggle against corruption and political murders. It had become obvious that the Moi Regime was bent on doing everything possible to silence anyone who pinpointed any crime or atrocity committed by the government. Many people were tortured and others killed. It was time when even the mention of the name "Moi" in relation to atrocities, put one on a list targeted for instant death. The country continued to suffer in this era and massive corruption was the order of the day. It is during this period that Mr. Kinity began his efforts to find a way to counter the Regime and bring good governance to Kenya. It was also in this period that Mr. Kinity secretly started the Kenya Revolutionary Redemption Council (K.R.R.C.)(1985). In 1989, Moi arrived from abroad and declared that he did not approve of any other party except KANU. Mr. Moi said this on arrival at Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. he even asked for a show of hands to renounce multipartyism. Speculation was that Moi had been queried bout the introduction of other political parties in Kenya while abroad.
The Period 1992 to 1998
In this period many underwent a lot of suffering. People disappeared, others were mysteriously murdered, while others were "disabled" such as Honorable Kenneth Matiba. Others were killed while asleep, such as Mr. Muruli, a student at the University of Nairobi - who was killed in his room by a bomb planted there and remotely detonated. It was also in this same period that the Secretary of the "Release Political Prisoners Association", Mr. Karimi Nduthu was mysteriously murdered in his house in the middle of the night at a Nairobi estate.
The Struggle for Multipartyism and the Kenya Revolutionary Redemption Council (K.R.R.C.)
In 1982, George Anyona and Jaramoji Oginga Odinga, met in Nairobi and discussed the idea of forming a political party. This led to Anyona's arrest and was detained, while Odnga was put under house arrest. The issue of multiple parties was stalled until 1985, when K.R.R.C. revived the pressure and met secretly to plan for a way forward. K.R.R.C. hence was an organization that continued the struggle and pressure on the underground to make sure that Kenya saw a day with multiple parties and true democracy.
The K.R.R.C. saw the realization of opposition parties in Kenya as one of the few peaceful means of bringing change to Kenya, as well as eradicating
Kinity’s political life began in 1985 when Kinity and others secretly founded the Kenya Revolutionary Redemption Council (K.R.R.C.). Mr. Kinity was elected President and began the fight to liberate Kenyans from the chains of corruption. His code name in the K.R.R.C was "Kikimo" commonly abbreviated as K.K.M. and his first name, Fernandes Ntos. The K.R.R.C.’s goal was to demand that the then Moi government change Kenya’s political landscape by allowing competitive politics by legalizing multiple opposition political parties in Kenya. Along with other organizations, K.R.R.C. successfully educated the donor community and the international community on how taxes, coupled with foreign grants, loans and assistance were being systematically looted by leaders within the Kenya government. The K.R.R.C. challenged President Moi and his administration over corruption, political murders and other vices via letters and phone calls. K.R.R.C. also managed to stop an International Lawyers meeting from being held in Nairobi in 1991. This meeting had been planned by the government to hoodwink the world that all was well in Kenya. This intervention was also meant to bring to the attention of the whole world the fact that the situation was not good in Kenya and that Kenyans were in abject poverty and suffering from Rampant corruption perpetuated by the Kenya leaders.
In September 1992, Mr. Kinity was summoned by Moi’s Special Branch Security agents Mr. Okumu and Mr. Nyambane, attached to the Nakuru branch. Their mission to threaten Mr. Kinity to submission and layoff of the demands on the government were unsuccessful. Mr. Kinity, as usual, did not let up. In 1994, the K.R.R.C helped to prevent the genocide which was planned for August 13 in the same year.
The 'Extermination' of the Wrong Agents
In the quest to finish off officers of the K.R.R.C, many members of the public were killed while security agents were seeking out the President of K.R.R.C.(Mr. Kinity.)by the name "Fernandes Ntos K.K.M" They did not know that Isaac Newton Kinity was the mastermind and President of the movement. In their deadly efforts, it is estimated that the government spent over Kshs. 1 billion to try and destroy K.R.R.C.
By December 27, 1998, when Kinity escaped, the Moi government had not figured out that Mr. Kinity, who he knew as the Secretary General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union, was also the President of the Kenya Revolutionary Redemption Council (K.R.R.C.). Despite that, it was now eminent that Mr. Kinity’s life was in total danger and after 5 botched attempts on his life, excluding the one that paralyzed his left side and left him blind, Mr. Kinity would escaped to Uganda and eventually to the United States.
His Involvement in the Diaspora Movement of Kenya (DMK)
Mr. Kinity shares the belief that the future of Kenya belongs to the current generation of Kenyans in the Diaspora (meaning Kenyans abroad and in ALL COUNTRIES - not just those in the United States) and the Young Generation in Kenya, have an obligation to positively change their homeland. When they were sent abroad to study or work, their obligation began then. If there was no specific reason to send them abroad, then they should have remained in Kenya.
With this background and understanding, Isaac Newton Kinity became involved in the Diaspora Movement of Kenya. He subscribes to the fact that no one else, except those that have seen the difference while living abroad have the zeal, enthusiasm, knowledge, attitude and networking capability to bring constructive meaningful change to Kenya. By ushering in a new set of leaders who have been FULLY VETTED, untainted by corruption, impunity, with Proven ability; and have a very strong commitment to "cleaning house" where one is judged by the strength of his or her character; and not by his ethnic background, is one of the pillars of the movement.
Reboot Kenya
Though controversial, DMK's leadership understands that a new generation of accountable and transparent leaders, coupled with viable institutions, is the only combination possible that can "reboot" Kenya and take it out of the bonds of selfishness, corruption and impunity, and into the land of equity, and accountability.
As articulated by DMK's leadership, some reasons why a worldwide approach that is required include but not limited to:
1. Funds Transfer to Kenya
At the height of a better world economy, Kenyans overseas sent an estimated Ksh. 85 billion (US$ 1.3 billion). The Kenyan Diaspora has been playing an important role in the development of the country through remittances and promotion of Kenya’s economic development abroad. However, the role of the Kenyan Diaspora in the development of the country has not been fully acknowledged. Those in the Kenya Diaspora have argued that they are continually blocked from actively participating in the social, economic and political arenas.
Conversely, there are those that argue that monetary contribution does not justify participation. Proponents of this view seem to rely on the "be here" approach, arguing that a physical presence is required to have the desired impact.
With these divergent views, parties are able to review their approach and decide which works better.
2. Active Participation
DMK sees change coming from Kenyans abroad, initiated and executed by Kenyan nationals. The clear statement by the President of the United States while on a visit to Ghana, that only "Africanscan change Africa", has been true forever. Africans, however, tend to sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to do the dirty work. By using a united vehicle, such as the Diaspora Movement of Kenya, and cooperation with organizations that share our mission, all Kenyans can finally live the Kenyan dream.
Those hostile to this view, however believe that active participation is not enough. Advocacy by sincerely patriotic persons is seen as the key since they (patriotic) Kenyans, are apt to safeguard the country's interest. At the end of this debate, active participation becomes the key word.
3. The "External View"
DMK leadership takes the Diaspora to task, asking them to use their actual experiences while living abroad, record them and implement them in their home country. By having a clear view and active living in systems that work (and sometimes systems that do not work.) The experiences of Kenyan students and workers in Australia, Japan, Bulgaria, China, the United States, Argentina, Morocco, Thailand, India or any country aside from Kenya, has given the Diaspora a special view of other systems of government, business environments, social and political infrastructure and economic systems. With that background, Kenyans have become enlightened on what has nearly destroyed Kenya since independence. By using that knowledge in a leadership role, in an organization, on the ground, as a campaigner for change, as teacher, in a new government, etc. constructive and meaningful change becomes a reality.
4. Networking
With the advent of technology, networking is a breeze. The days when Kenyans would have to wait for someone flying in from Kenya with old copies of the Nation or Standard newspaper just to get a glimpse of Kenya news are gone. Today, with live streaming media live worldwide, and up to the second updates on events around the world are possible, information and events can be shared seamlessly.
5. Time is of the essence
The years since Kenya's independence have seen depletion of natural resources, grand theft of the treasury, massive corruption, systematic killing of our people because of their ethnic background, coalition of selfish politicians and rotting of the social, economic and political system. Inaction within this realm is not viewed as an option.
Community Involvement & Civil Rights Promotion in the USA
Highlights
* With the help of Ms. Maureen Gallagher, President of the Public Workers Union (PWU) and other PWU officials in Connecticut, liaised with the President of the AFL-CIO, Mr. John Sweeny to demand that the Kenya government cease and desist from the intimation of Kenya Civil Servants officers and reinstate the KCSU. Mr. Sweeny would do so in a letter to Moi in 2002. KCSU was legalized in the same year.
* On June 17, 2005: Kinity wrote a letter to the U.S. Congress, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, the President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, the Chairman of Senior Citizen league,the President of the Campaign to Save Social Security and Medicare, the President of the Save the Cola Campaign, Senators Christopher Dodd and Joseph Lieberman - providing information and views on the proper handling of the debate on the privatization of the U.S. Social Security. They all thanked Mr. Kinity and shortly latter the controversial debate subsided and hence ended. Mr. Kinity's letter was saved in the US archives.
* In 2005, Mr. Kinity was nominated to become a member of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, USA.
* In 2006 Mr. Kinity also received various Certificates of Merit for his Service, dedication and sacrifice in his efforts to help the American people.
Private life
Isaac Newton Kinity is married to Jane Kinity. Mr. Kinity loves family life and is known to be avid golfer and soccer player. He is a Presbyterian.
Books
- The Struggles that Swallowed My Teenage Life, Isaac Newton Kinity - in progress
- On the Run - Isaac Newton Kinity, with a foreword by Robinson Gichuhi - in progress
Publications and Articles
- In Pambazuka
- In Kenya Monitor
- In East African in Focus
Meetings
International Anti-Corruption Conference - Athens, Greece October /November 2008
World Bank/Kenya Development Consortium - various meetings -
US-African Business Conferences - various meetings

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