The Tyranny of the Mob
Several years ago, a disturbing incident unfolded involving a young man who was set ablaze on a footpath within an estate, purportedly for stealing a student’s belongings. The grisly sight of the charred thief served as a stark reminder of the deeply flawed state of our judicial system. It laid bare the myriad challenges plaguing our nation, particularly the pervasive issue of insecurity.
Although Kenya had established legal frameworks to address cases of theft, many citizens had opted for unconventional methods of justice, resorting to vigilante actions in rural areas and suburban communities. The failure of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to fulfill their duties had led to the emergence of moral policing and mob justice. People took matters into their own hands, fostering a perilous trend within society.
The sluggish pace of investigations and prosecutions had tested the patience of victims, who grew increasingly frustrated with the authorities’ lack of responsiveness. Despite pleas for intervention, law enforcement continued to insist on maintaining a monopoly over crime fighting, leaving aggrieved individuals to suffer the violation of their rights at the hands of criminals. The inconsistency of constitutional bodies tasked with combating crime had eroded public trust and control over the situation.
The delicate balance between upholding laws and ensuring public safety had brought us to a critical juncture. Citizens’ disregard for due process and their penchant for summary justice reflected a systemic breakdown. It was a shameful indictment of our society, where the line between perpetrator and vigilante blurred amidst chaos and violence. The grotesque spectacle of mob retribution, marked by brutality and savagery, epitomized the failure of our legal institutions.
Relying on mobs to mete out justice was not only reckless but also undermined the very fabric of our democracy and legal system. Such acts of vigilantism represented a dangerous deviation from the principles of fairness and accountability. The escalating crime rates and prevalence of mob justice underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of law enforcement and judicial practices.
The deteriorating security situation, characterized by a surge in petty crimes and violent offenses, had further exacerbated the crisis. The unchecked proliferation of mob violence posed a direct threat to the rule of law and societal order. It was imperative for human rights organizations to intervene and bolster legal protections for both victims and suspects, thereby restoring faith in the justice system.
The disparities in addressing crime highlighted a systemic failure to uphold the rule of law. We could not afford to descend into lawlessness, where justice was dictated by the whims of the mob. Such extrajudicial punishment only served to perpetuate chaos and undermine efforts to create a safer, more equitable society. It was incumbent upon us to confront this perilous trend head-on and reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice and democracy.
