×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Fearless, Trusted News
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download App

Exploding light bulbs


Animals sometimes enter into a state of an apparent paralysis something we can also refer to as animal hypnosis. This situation is mostly experienced when the animal is extensively provoked and is in a defensive mode against exterior threats or when they are plain helpless. This phenomenon is known as tonic immobility.



The Kenyan security agencies seem to have been grasped by a tonic immobility in the recent past. This unfortunately will be at the expense of ignorant and innocent Kenyans. I was vastly perturbed when I recently watched an investigative article in one of the local TV stations on the security situation in the country. “Terrorist’s playground” as was the title of the feature. A well-researched feature on the lax state of our security agencies.

In a country where bulbs fall from the ceiling and explode in a dustbin, a country where mattresses explode, I applaud what was done. A bag was left in a crowded public place for over 4 hours and when the 999 emergency number was called and informed on the issue they took it lightly. Lightly I say because two hours later nothing had been done and whoever was on the other side of the line went to the extent of lying that they had sent patrol officers to the scene.

Another bag was left unattended in an airport for hours, less than 5 meters from a police officer and he did not raise even an eyebrow. For this reason I personally believe if our officers are not lazy then their training is inadequate. If this two reasons do not add up then the only sane explanation would be that they have been bewitched. That in itself is however a story for another day.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Support Independent Journalism

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Journalism can't be free because the truth demands investment. At The Standard, we invest time, courage and skills to bring you accurate, factual and impactful stories. Subscribe today and stand with us in the pursuit of credible journalism.

Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payment Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902

Related Topics