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.
Politicians and human rights activists are divided on whether Ambira High school boys are deserve to be in police cells or not.
Lawyers Otiende Amollo and Norman Magaya are convinced the students committed no crime.
“I cannot fathom what offence they could possibly be charged with. Bad behaviour is not criminal. Free the boys forthwith,” said Otiende, MP for Rarieda.
Magaya noted the action taken was unnecessary arguing: “Arresting students who are merely relishing the relief of completing secondary education in what form they manifest it is utter nonsense.”
Human rights activist Chris Owalla claims the court is being pushed by the Executive, noting: “Those children needed free bond or cash bail. The decision by the magistrate is an indication that the court is not free. Criminals are walking free but they want to hold the students.”
Chris Budo, a resident of Ugunja, bemoans the selective application of law wondering why those who have committed serious crimes walk scot free.
“That zeal used in arresting the students should be used in arresting the perpetrators of economic crime. The criticism misdirected at the students should be directed to the political leaders who use vulgar language during political campaign,” says Budo.
In Siaya, leaders, human rights activists, unionists and a section of residents are split over the form of punishment meted on students.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Siaya County secretary general Sam Opondo says “a small clique of disgruntled and indiscipline students cannot make us attract negative and quite unnecessary attention. I condemn this act of insulting senior government officials and claims to have stolen exams yet the actual fact is the exams security was water tight. The students if found culpable must carry their own crosses.”
Siaya Senator James Orengo claimed Ambira Boys were simply aping the political and elite classes in our society.
“In the exam room, they will look for shortcuts of getting good results. They see how the elections are bungled and how some people fight to have the highest office in the land by hook and or by crook.”
His views were echoed by Abduba Dida, the 2017 Presidential candidate who wrote on his social media page that “the DP on several occasions called PM (Raila Odinga) ‘mganga”. The PM himself called we all know who ‘mlevi and mvuta bangi’. Embakasi East MP (Babu Owino) used words and phrases that I cannot type here. All these individuals are addressed as “honourables” and you want to punish kids for doing the same.”
November is the hustle month and we are all about youngins making their money, and we need your help. Do you know of any young person in school/campus who is running a hustle that absolutely deserves to be celebrated? Drop us an email on: [email protected]
