It’s time for debate on saving men from toxic masculinity

Three isolated occurrences this week can only fuel an already lively national debate on masculinity and the so-called “boy-child.” Brian Bera, the university student who was shot scaling State House security walls carrying a pen knife, was released to his family as the Human Rights Watch published their report documenting the summary and systemic execution of suspects. Across the nation’s capital, families and survivors also gathered to discuss how to stop violent policing and violent crimes wrecking homes and communities ahead of the Saba Saba March for Our Lives tomorrow.

Brian Bera Kibet sat and passed all his engineering degree units in March. Barely four months later, he caused a national stir as he was shot and injured by the Presidential Guard jumping over State House Gate B. At the time, public opinion was radically divided over what form of madness this was. Was he mentally ill or just angry at the national leadership for corruption? This week, he was released on a light bail of Sh100,000 into the custody of his father George Bera on understanding he has a history of mental illness.