With the chaos in South Africa, Kenyans let’s meet behind the tent for honest talk

Metro police officers detain suspected looters at Jabulani mall as the country deploys army to quell unrest linked to jailing of former President Jacob Zuma, in Soweto, South Africa, July 13, 2021. [Reuters, Siphiwe Sibeko]

The world is watching in bewilderment as South Africa burns. What began as a small scale protest set off by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma has turned into a full-blown unrest, the worst the country has ever witnessed in recent times.

More than 70 people have died so far as the unrest escalates. Looting and massive destruction of property are now the order of the day with little or no fear for the authorities as police clash with crowds of rioters every day. A troubling sight that speaks to deep-seated issues than what it is perceived to be.