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Ruto apology to Gen Z should have come earlier
A participant follows proceeding with a hawk on his head during the Gen-z Shujaaz Memorial concert on July 7, 2024 at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.
Late apology • President William Ruto’s apology to the Gen Z over the fatal police crackdown during last year’s anti-tax protests would have meant much more had it come earlier, says Jim Okwako. “Has he just lately realised that the killing of the 60 young and peaceful protesters and maiming of hundreds others was, as he put it, a misstep. But again, as the old saying goes, better late than never.”
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Violence • Ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s caution against rigging the 2027 elections resonates with many, says Henry Ruhiu. “If the IEBC will not conduct credible elections, the 2007 post-election violence might look like a rehearsal. Some pro-government politicians, too, have said so, but have not been denounced. Why the double standards?” His contact is [email protected].
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Disservice • Machakos County and the Kenya Wildlife Service, Richard Kihara strongly feels, are not doing justice to Donyo Sabuk township, whose main road that runs through the scenic Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, remains untarmacked many years later. Says he: “It’s just 50km from Nairobi and yet it’s the only dirt main road within this beautiful park. ” His contact is [email protected].
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Destruction • There is nothing of the Parklands, Nairobi, of 50 years ago remaining, Shobhna Shah laments. “Trees are chopped down to pave the way for the concrete jungle. Basic infrastructure, water, electricity supply and drainage are missing, and the roads flood with the slightest rains and are inaccessible. We don’t know whom to turn to for help.” Her email address is [email protected].
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Hazardous fun • Nightclubs in Nairobi are a fire hazard as they use polyurethane foam for soundproofing, warns Brian Maitai. “When ignited, it burns at 1,500 degrees centigrade and drips ‘fire’ like molten lava. Add the inward opening exits and the use of pyrotechnics, and we’re staring at a tragedy like in Rhode Island, United States, where some 100 revellers lost their lives.” His contact is [email protected].
Have a safer day, won’t you!