TALK OF THE DAY: Police brutality unacceptable in civilised society

Reports by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights that up to 24 protesters have been killed by police in the past few days are saddening. This is police brutality and we must all condemn it in the strongest terms possible. In a democratic society such as ours, police are supposed to protect citizens and their property. It is sad that the law enforcers are doing the direct opposite. There is no justification whatsoever for anyone to take somebody else's life. The correct thing to do would be to arrest any suspects and charge them in a court of law, depending on available evidence. For this government to win our confidence in its ability to protect us, it must take action against killer police officers. David Sonye, Rarieda.

Efforts to achieve the elusive gender equality have received a major boost following the election of several women. At least three women have been elected governor - Charity Ngilu of Kitui, Joyce Laboso of Bomet, and Anne Waiguru, who will be the governor of Kirinyaga. Several others have been elected senator and MP. Even though this still falls short of the two-thirds requirement, it is a major improvement and it is an indication the gender requirement will eventually be realised in the near future. Kenyans have realised women can make good leaders. Mwari Maina, Nyeri.