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Perpetrators of Violence Must Be
Prosecuted
Business Daily (Nairobi)
OPINION
15 February 2008
Norman Mudibo
Nairobi
I'm optimistic that the mediation team shall eventually define a
roadmap to resolving the political crisis facing this country. I'm
optimistic too that the wave of violence that has robbed us of
loved ones shall
cease and that the resultant humanitarian crisis shall end.
But even as we seek ways out of the doldrums, the masterminds of
the heinous crimes against humanity must be brought to book. The
paymasters and planners must be named and shamed irrespective of
their standing in society. Whether they are ministers, members of
parliament, paupers,
millionaires or billionaires, they have to be held accountable and
take responsibility.
The investigative arms of our security forces should search deeper
for the causes, smoke out the villains and ensure that the wheel
of justice rolls to its logical conclusion.
I emphasize that the custodians of law and order for whom a huge
chunk of our hard earned shillings go to must ensure thorough
investigations are done and culprits are arraigned in courts to
answer to horrendous acts against humanity.
In every society there exists systems used to either deter or
sanction those who violate laws with criminal penalties.
It is such elaborate systems that exude confidence in the populace,
hence the assurance that ultimately fairness and justice will
prevail. I refer to the primary agencies that include the law
enforcement outfits like the police, the courts, jails and prisons.
All these administer the procedures for arrest, charging,
adjudication and punishment of those found guilty. Never again
should we let the agents of terror amidst us to go scot free as if
as a country we don't have institutions and processes that
guarantee security, justice and retribution.
What transpired in 1992 and 1997, regrettably did rear its ugly
head yet again, perhaps not in the scale witnessed then but as a
people we can and it behoves us to make a difference in the way we
manage the period after the torment, agony and displacement.
Should we let the perpetrators of these heinous crimes go scot
free as we have done in the past? Do we not owe to ourselves to
ensure that peace and justice is upheld at all times? That justice
should be seen to be done?
Is it not the opportune time then that we should challenge those
whom have been tasked to steer these institutions that they should
do exactly that without prejudice and any other underlying
hindrances?
Granted that these institutions and/or processes are replete with
inadequacies, however, the assurance that these are avenues for
recourse should give hope to everyone.
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