News

The Standard Newspaper reported on 31st January 2014 that most Kenyans feel the Government has failed to tame rising insecurity as indicated in a new opinion poll. The survey said Kenyans believe the Government is not doing enough to keep them safe. The poll released early on Friday also noted that Kenyans are unhappy with the way the 10-month-old Jubilee Alliance administration has failed to address the rising cost of living and joblessness. One out of every three Kenyans thinks the administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto has performed dismally in keeping Kenyans safe from thugs, terrorists and other outlaws, who have wreaked havoc in the country in recent weeks. The study by Strategic Research and Communications Consulting for Africa Limited lists insecurity, unemployment, corruption and poverty as major concerns. The terror alert issued just two days ago, coupled with increased cases of robbery, muggings, and theft have had Kenyans a worried lot.

Comment

Kenya could turn out to be one of Africa's most insecure nations if the magnitude and frequency of the attacks witnessed today are unchecked. Inequality, weak law enforcement and corrupt justice systems have seen crime rates almost triple particularly in urban areas like Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, with carjacking's hitting unprecedented levels. Nairobi averages about 10 vehicle hijackings a day, with authorities having limited capacity to deter or investigate them. A recent research by the National Crime Research Centre shows that there are 46 criminal gangs in the country. Over 50% of these groups engage in drug trafficking while 34% participate in extorting money and other criminal activities.

In 2013, there were cases of over 40 policemen being gunned down in Baragoi, prominent Muslim clerics executed in Mombasa, tribal clashes engulfed the North and the attack on the Westgate Mall, and they have never been fully resolved. It is a terrifying experience to walk at night in major towns and neither is it secure to walk during the day. There are regular news reports of how businesses are robbed in broad daylight despite having CCTV cameras yet no arrests or efforts are made to resolve them. A recent fiasco to reform the police force flopped with senior police officers being interviewed by a panel that mostly dwelt on financial resources of the interviewees rather than functional capabilities. Now, there are fears the crime wave could stain the country's investment climate. Tourism is the world's largest industry accounting for more than 10% of the world total employment and generates 14% of Kenya's GDP. Indeed, the insecurity risk to tourism was one of the key concerns the government expressed after the Westgate attack that left at least 67 dead including 18 foreigners.

According to the Constitution of Kenya and other relevant laws, functions of county governments do not include matters regarding national security, foreign affairs and education. It comes as a surprise when government functionaries threaten the counties with dissolution if they do not tame insecurity in their areas! This is an indication that the government has failed in its responsibilities and is looking for a scapegoat in the counties. Just as we are nearing one year since the Jubilee government came to power, it is a grim assessment that they would like to wish away. Corrupt cartels are rearing their ugly heads once again, poverty and hunger ravages the arid areas of the north, unemployment is at an all-time high and insecurity is felt in all parts of the country. During the run-up to the general election in Kenya, Jonnie Carson, formerly the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs famously stated that "choices have consequences" and sure enough, Kenya is experiencing them. Since America decided to outsource the so called ‘war on terror' to outpost countries like Kenya, the country has been on the receiving end of instability in the region. Frequent terror alerts are issued by the West that harm the economy leading to unemployment and insecurity while at the same time being forced to use the meager resources to fight America's war on terror. While there are marauding gangs in the North of the country that kill at will, security agencies are being utilized to create a buffer zone/state (Jubaland) in Somali. This is in the false belief that such a state will reduce the threat posed to Kenya by Al-Shabaab. All these are symptoms of a failed system which bedevils the whole world. Since Kenya implements the Capitalist ideology that judges issues based on the measure of benefit together the Democratic system that sedates the populace with false hopes of change, we are likely to continue facing the same problems even if new faces are brought into office.

While the president enjoys massive security, he has relegated the dire situation facing the public to the periphery with too much tough talk but less practical solutions. It is only through Islam which is a comprehensive ideology and system of life that real change can be felt. The Prophet (saw) stated in a hadith that a time will come when a traveler will move from Hadhramut to Sanaa in Yemen fearing nothing on the way but Allah and the wolf. It is this prophecy that Islam will fulfill through the establishment of a Khilafah "Caliphate" state. With all security responsibilities vested in the Khaleefah and vast resources availed to him, the role of the public remains to account him for any lapses that may occur in tackling security matters. Only then will the citizens of a state walk with their heads high and sleep peacefully in the knowledge that their security is taken care of.

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Kassim Agesa
Member of the Media Office Hizb ut Tahrir in East Africa