The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Gang members from formal and informal settlements like Umoja, Buruburu, Kariobangi, Dandora, Maili Saba, Silanga, Mwiki, Kasarani, Mathare, Mlango Kubwa, Majengo, Shauri Moyo, Kangemi, Kawangware, Ongata Rongai and Kitengela know their boundaries – trespassing often leads to bloody confrontations.
“Sisi tunasemaa kwamba maiti iozee kaburini, mnyonge akule kwa mama yake (we believe that we’d rather die than survive as weaklings who are fed by their mothers),” states the chairman. He adds that, “Don’t blame us, blame the system.”
James Mbugua, a counselling psychologist and Africa Nazarene University lecturer, blames the criminal subculture in informal settlements on religious and political leaders who take advantage of the hopeless situation of the youth to mislead them.
“If this is not addressed, then we are sitting on a time bomb. For example, right now, the teachers’ strike is on, but who is addressing the plight of the children staying at home? Secondly, are there opportunities outside there after they finish school?” posed Mbugua adding that, the state of hopelessness among the youth was driving them to embrace anything that comes their way, adding that those living in informal settlements are more vulnerable to manipulation.
