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Resolve Puzzle of Terror Weapons


The Nation (Nairobi)


EDITORIAL
24 November 2007
Posted to the web 24 November 2007
Nairobi

The seizure of a Government vehicle with loads of crude weapons in Naivasha
sent a chilling signal that some politicians are plotting violence during the
campaigns and even the elections.

The car is officially assigned to Water Assistant minister Raphael Wanjala, the
MP for Budalang'i. He has confirmed the same but distanced himself from the
bizarre cargo. Police have asked him to help with investigations to establish
the circumstances under which the assorted weapons were being ferried in that
vehicle.



The rest of the details are in the hands of the police, who we insist, must
quickly unravel the puzzle. What is clear, though, is that some elements within
the Government are out not only to abet, but sponsor thuggery and violence.
That some fellows had the audacity to procure, pack and transport the weapons
illustrates the level of spite and scorn with which some State workers misuse
public resources. Clearly, those responsible deserve severe punishment.

Fundamentally, the seizure of the weapons on the eve of an election nomination
reinforces the pervasive fear that some people, even in the Government, want to
unleash violence or use dirty tricks to win the elections. This is scaring and
unacceptable.

Such acts fly in the face of the efforts by President Kibaki and all other
well-meaning people in the Government to ensure a peaceful election.

This is the reason why police must quickly complete investigations and arraign
the suspects in court to face the law. Giving assurances that action will be
taken, as the police have done, is not enough. If quick and decisive action is
not taken, then we will end up entrenching a culture of impunity, where
politicians and their hirelings believe they can never be penalised for their
misdeeds.

Besides, the Electoral Commission of Kenya must enforce the law and penalise
the culprits. We should never have a situation where Government property is
used to perpetuate crime - that is an absurd breach of all known order.


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