Find Juma’s killers to end speculation

The brutal and brazen killing of controversial businessman Jacob Juma has elicited understandable fury and consternation.

Anger because nobody has a right to take the life of another notwithstanding the grievances; and anxiety because every Kenyan deserves protection from criminal gangs.

The businessman had reported threats to his life to the police, and there are no indications from security agencies yet that preventive action was taken in mitigation. Juma, whom some have called a whistle-blower, had publicly stated that some influential individuals were plotting to eliminate him for exposing their corrupt dealings.

 And despite this forewarning, criminals were able to execute him quite easily and disappear without a trace in a city that prides itself with being alert to all forms of security threats.

No one is suggesting that criminal behaviour can be fully contained, but when violent actions are perpetrated with such ease, and when prominent personalities seem powerless to stop criminals, regular folk have cause to be concerned.

We owe it to Juma’s family to find answers to his killing. Investigators must be alive to this. But perhaps more significantly, authorities need to work with the public to contain levels of violent crime. We must, however, commend the police for doing their bit to keep Kenyans safe.

But officers must not keep their eyes off the ball and must ensure that other forms of violent crimes are contained.

It is not often that high profile Kenyans are killed in cold blood. The Juma investigation should help send a message that our cities are safe places to do business.

However, speculative theories to the killing will not do much to help the investigation, especially provocative posts on various social media platforms.

Bloggers must, therefore, practice restrain. Going forward, it would help if the police can help whistle-blowers who appeal for help. Or individuals who report when there is a significant threat to their wellbeing.

Life is sacrosanct and should not be treated casually. Therefore, investigator should get to the bottom of the Juma killing and bring the perpetrators to book.