Is Kenya becoming a mini-Somalia?

By Ogero Oscar
Recent Kenyan headlines and happenings are downright terrifying.

From the killing of 42 policemen in Suguta valley, to the Tana clashes that displaced hundreds and the numerous explosions rocking the country. Barely a week goes by without reports of insecurity, killings and attacks on innocent Kenyans.

One cannot help but question what happened to the country that was once a haven of peace in East Africa. It appears that our country is turning into a little Somalia-a terror ravaged country without rule of law.

As incidents continue to pile up, many have asked if there is really a government in place. Others have argued that our security machinery is a sleep, leaving citizens vulnerable to attacks.

Likening the current state of confusion to that of Somalia, Kenya is sailing on waters so deep that if not navigated and with great caution we surely will drown.

The perpetual unrest leads to harassment of citizens by these officers as they try to catch up with criminals. The media has shown images of Kenyans running hands up at the sight of soldiers and even being told to sit down in groups.

International news agencies like the BBC are claiming that police officers have gone on rampage attacking innocent citizens as they hunt for perpetrators of insecurity.

Must innocent citizens go through these procedures? Does the government have to use a retaliatory approach to tackling insecurity? How long shall we wait as our country’s security continues to plummet?

The writer Ogero Oscar is a Kenyan residing in Nairobi. Email: [email protected]