Kenyans have their say on rising insecurity
Headlines on the front of newspapers coupled with the breaking news bulletins flashing on screens around Kenya about rising levels of insecurity reaching fever pitch can baffle the most seasoned political analyst. Night riders terrorizing a coastal town two days in a row, Al Shabaab claiming responsibility, only for the President of Kenya to blame domestic political element and shortly after, the arrest and detention of the Governor of Lamu. We hit the streets to garner what Kenyans make out of the string of dramatic events that surround the state of security in Kenya.
Isabel Karuga, a Client Service Manager believes that one of the main reasons that Kenya’s seemingly never-ending terror situation is worsening is that the government is in Somalia. However, that is not all, “I think it comes to individual police officers not managing the situation. I think their salaries should be increased to curb insecurity,” she adds. Her sentiments are shared by Evans Cheruiyot, Distribution Coordinator who points to laxity by security bodies as the cause of insecurity. “They don’t take security seriously. The people who are entrusted with the security of the country are busy playing politics.” Evans, who is increasingly concerned about the situation, confides that his friend’s brother had been recently kidnapped from his home in Eastleigh. “Al Shabaab is real. We are hosting them and that makes us an easy target.”
“The security forces in Kenya are concentrating on certain parts and leaving out vulnerable areas,” says Joseph Baaru, accountant. “The problem is poor planning and inadequate intelligence. This is critical in our geographic position makes us vulnerable. We are the entry point and the central hub for East African communities,” he reasons. The security uncertainty has affected the peace of mind of many commuters including Michael Kanja, IT specialist. A realist, he believes that it is the price Kenya pays for development. “Kenya is on the path to economic growth and you are bound to get such challenges. There should be more accountability and communication. For example the Saba Saba rally that opposition has planned. What is the government doing about that? Are there any measures that they will put in place to ensure security?”
The insecure state of national affairs and lax investigations towards the same has resulted in many calling for the resignation of state officials. “Resignations should have happened a long time ago. The whole of National Intelligence Service should have resigned. If it wasn’t for the fact that the President was elected, he should have resigned as well,” Evans tells us. Isabel, however holds a differing view, “I don’t know what difference any resignations would make. It’s the entire system that is failing.”
Giving the example of the President’s announcement that Al Shabaab was not behind the Mpeketoni attacks without due investigations into the matter, Isabel, like many, view the situation as mismanaged. “I think Uhuru made a mistake when making his statements. He spoke before a full investigation was conducted. It did more to divide Kenyans than anything else. Al Shabaab also knows our weakness, tribalism.” Her dissent is felt by Evans, “It was a rushed decision when then President made those statements,” he says, “he is more of a politician than a leader. The investigation is still ongoing and it was wrong for him to jump to those conclusions.”
Some disagree with the President’s assertions and question his motives for saying them. “I think the President’s statements are a cover-up to prevent panic. Nobody else can commit mass murders like what happened in Mpeketoni other than Al Shabaab who have been misled by their faith,” says Joseph. With allegations, rumours and hearsay swirling around, it is easy to see why Kenyans are confused. “I believe that the Mpeketoni attacks were political. Why would Al-Shabaab check a person’s name before killing them? They were being very subjective and the area is known for certain tribes. I don’t think these are things Al- Shabaab care about,” says Michael.
Leaders of numerous religious denominations have called for the nation to unite in prayer as a comfort and source of consolation. “For me, the measures I’m taking, I pray every morning, I have faith and I am a believer,” Joseph asserts. Evans sees more work ahead to create stability and peace, “I want to see something positive in the future. We don’t have to construct a wall to protect ourselves but we need to guard our coast and borders effectively. There is no other solution. Just prayers will not work.”
