A Reflection from the Frontlines in Kisumu, Kenya
Water is a basic human right
Clean water, air, and the protection of our environment should never be political. Yet, as one advocate rightly pointed out, clean water is political. It is inextricably tied to the decisions made in boardrooms, government offices, and legislative chambers. The sad reality is that the very things that sustain us—our rivers, lakes, forests, and wetlands—have become battlegrounds in a polarized political landscape. This truth is felt deeply by those of us working on the ground: the team at Flamingo Chap Chap Auji-Kibos River Waterkeeper in Kisumu, Kenya.
Here, we fight every day to protect the Auji and Kibos rivers—vital water sources for our community—from pollution and degradation. The battle isn’t just about cleaning up the rivers; it's about fighting against systems that seek to commodify and degrade our natural resources for profit. The corporate interests that pollute our waterways and the political structures that allow this to happen are part of a much larger system that prioritizes short-term gain over long-term sustainability.
The sad truth is, clean water has become a commodity, and in many places, its protection is tied to power struggles and the political will—or lack thereof—of those in charge. While we, as environmental advocates, rally for the preservation of our planet, the pushback comes from a powerful and deeply entrenched force: the corporatocracy, climate change deniers, and a political system that often fails to see the bigger picture. These powers don't just influence policy; they create the narratives that frame how we view our environment.
But it’s not just about politics in the conventional sense. In many parts of the world, particularly in the West, the battle for the environment is also intertwined with religion. Some conservative religious factions view environmental advocacy as a threat to their worldview. For them, nature is something to be controlled, not nurtured—a sentiment that runs counter to the very essence of environmental protection.
In these circles, there is an idea that environmentalism—whether it’s fighting for clean water or protecting endangered species—is a form of idolatry. People who advocate for the earth are seen as worshipping creation instead of the Creator. These conservative religious factions believe that we should prepare for the “End Times,” and that climate activists’ focus on preserving the earth is futile—if not sinful. This belief, which is rooted in a deep misunderstanding of scripture, aligns closely with the interests of those who wish to ignore the environmental crises facing our planet.
This kind of thinking has been a major roadblock in our global efforts to protect the environment. Those who believe that the earth’s destruction is part of a divine plan feel little urgency to protect what remains. This mentality not only drives the environmental destruction we see but also enables policies that allow corporations to exploit natural resources without regard for long-term consequences.
As we continue to push for environmental justice, especially in regions like Kisumu, we face these challenges head-on. We advocate for clean water and healthy ecosystems because we understand that the stakes are too high to ignore. For us, this fight is not about politics or religion—it’s about survival. It’s about ensuring that future generations have the resources they need to live healthy, sustainable lives.
At Flamingo Chap Chap Auji-Kibos River Waterkeeper, we are not deterred by the political and religious forces working against us. We know that we have a duty to protect our rivers, forests, and wildlife, and we will continue to advocate for the health of our communities, regardless of the political or religious opposition we may face. Our message is clear: clean water is a basic human right, not a political pawn to be used for power games.
We invite others to join us in this struggle. The fight for clean water, for healthy ecosystems, and for a sustainable future is a battle that belongs to all of us. It transcends politics, religion, and nationality. Together, we can overcome these forces and create a future where nature is respected, protected, and nurtured for generations to come. As seen in the attached pictures below, the strength of our efforts is fueled by the communities we serve, the beauty of our rivers, and our unwavering commitment to the environment.
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