It is now an open secret that growing insecurity in the country is not being treated with the seriousness it deserves despite the protection of life and property being a cardinal responsibility of any government. A few examples will suffice.
Allegations that security agencies were aware of impending terror attacks at the Coast, Westgate and recently Garissa University and did very little if anything to prevent them. Sometimes Government agents have admitted as much. It has also now emerged again the security apparatus had knowledge about impending attacks in Baringo counties where over hundred people lost their lives.
The reaction of security, as always, has been to talk tough and seem to act after an attack. When police officers were murdered in cold blood by bandits and their rifles taken away, the Government demanded the return of the guns, which was duly done. However, no efforts were made to address the insecurity, including border disputes, cattle rustling. The Government is now again threatening to disarm the pastoralists without first addressing the underlying causes of the perennial feuds.
It is time to adopt a holistic and not piecemeal approach to addressing insecurity.
