Writer flees ‘persecution’ in Kenya

Journalist and political activist Philo Ikonya has fled Kenya and is living in exile in Oslo, Norway.

According to a profile posted on the website of The International Cities of Refuge Network, Ms Ikonya fled Kenya a year ago due to what she claimed was political persecution. “Her political activeness and writing got her arrested several times in Kenya,” states the website.

Ms Ikonya was a parliamentary candidate in the last election and had a dismal performance.

She is quoted saying that she fears returning to the country for her own safety and that of her son. “When asked if she will ever return to the Kenya, she says that it is quite difficult,” the report states.

“But there are many issues to take into consideration; the uprooting of her son, her own safety,” says author Marie Alming, who interviewed the former Nation writer.