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GISORE:Why extrajudicial killings persist

In the labyrinth of a sprawling metropolis, where the skyline glitters with the promise of prosperity but the alleys echo with whispers of corruption, a story unfolds. It's a tale of power, revenge, and betrayal, where the lines between right and wrong blur beneath the weight of authority.
Extrajudicial killings is a result of failed justice system and police failure in enforcing law and order.|COURTESY
At the heart of this urban maze stands a figure, shrouded in the cloak of their own influence. They move with purpose, their every step a silent declaration of dominance over the city and its inhabitants. Yet, beneath the facade of authority lies a soul burdened by a betrayal that festers like a wound, driving them to seek solace in the shadows where morality fades to gray.

The city pulses with life, its streets teeming with the hustle and bustle of daily existence. But beneath the surface lies a dark underbelly, where power is the ultimate currency and secrets are traded like commodities. In this world of shadows and secrets, blackmail becomes a weapon of choice, wielded by those who seek to maintain their grip on power at any cost.

Enter a seeker of truth, a lone voice in the darkness, determined to uncover the secrets that lie buried beneath the city's glossy facade. Armed with nothing but determination and a relentless pursuit of justice, they navigate the treacherous waters of corruption, unaware of the danger that lurks around every corner.

As they delve deeper into the murky depths of the city's underbelly, they soon find themselves ensnared in a web of deceit and manipulation. For in a city where power is absolute, those who wield it will stop at nothing to protect their secrets and maintain their hold on authority.

But as the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, a specter from the past emerges, wielding justice like a sword forged in the fires of betrayal. With each revelation, the grip of those in power weakens, their carefully constructed facade crumbling beneath the weight of their own deception.

In the end, amidst the ruins of ambition, the mighty fall, their downfall a testament to the fragility of power and the inevitability of retribution. And as the dust settles, a somber truth emerges: in a world where justice is a commodity and power is the ultimate prize, extrajudicial killings continue to exist because they are a symptom of a deeper rot—a rot that infects the very heart of society and threatens to consume it whole.

But why do extrajudicial killings persist despite the efforts of law enforcement and advocates for human rights? The answer lies in the complex interplay of political, social, and economic factors that create an environment ripe for abuse of power and impunity.

Firstly, extrajudicial killings often occur in regions plagued by political instability, where weak governance and a lack of accountability create fertile ground for human rights abuses. In these environments, law enforcement agencies may operate with impunity, emboldened by a culture of impunity that allows them to act outside the bounds of the law.

Secondly, extrajudicial killings are often driven by a desire to maintain power and control over marginalized communities. In many cases, victims are targeted because of their perceived association with criminal or opposition groups, or simply because they are deemed to be a threat to the status quo. By eliminating these individuals, those in power seek to send a chilling message to others who might dare to challenge their authority.

Thirdly, extrajudicial killings are often fueled by economic incentives, particularly in regions where organized crime and drug trafficking are prevalent. In these cases, law enforcement officials may collude with criminal elements to carry out targeted killings in exchange for financial gain or other benefits. This collusion further erodes trust in the justice system and perpetuates a cycle of violence and impunity.

In conclusion, extrajudicial killings persist because they are symptoms of deeper structural issues within society, including political instability, social inequality, and economic exploitation. Addressing these root causes will require a concerted effort to strengthen governance, promote accountability, and protect the rights of marginalized communities. Only then can we hope to eradicate the scourge of extrajudicial killings and build a more just and equitable society for all.

OPINION BY CLINTON OBIERO GISORE, A STUDENT PURSUING JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION AT CHUKA UNIVERSITY

SIDEBAR

International human rights lobbies reported on July 2, 2019 that more than 21 men and boys were killed by police in Nairobi City's low income neighbourhoods of Dandora and Mathare. The report was authored by the Human Rights Watch and its partners.

In 2023, police killed 118 people by extrajudicial killings. This was a drop from 2022 which saw 130 people killed by those who are supposed to protect them, the Voice Of America reported quoting a report coauthored by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch and others.

Investigations against police killings are rare unless there is public outrage, a media spurt or the victims under probe are well known or well connected, public opinion goes.

Even where there is ample evidence, alleged killer cops are rarely brought to book.

All perpetrators of extrajudicial killings should be brought to book if the crime is to be fully addressed. Redeploying of the police officers in question is not a solution to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

-MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT

PROCRASTINATION IS THE ENEMY OF SUCCESS

My advice is, never do tomorrow what you can today. Procrastination is the thief of time. Procrastination is the enemy of success. Procrastination is an opportunity’s natural assassin. 
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

He who awaits much can expect little. Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried. In delay there lies no plenty. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. 

There is nothing so fatal to character as half-finished tasks. A task left undone remains undone in two places at the actual location of the task and inside your head. Incomplete tasks in your head consume the energy of your attention as they gnaw at your conscience. Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him. "Things may come to those who wait but only the things left by those who hustle.” Abraham Lincoln.

Someday is not a day of the week. You may delay, but time will not. You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good. How soon ‘not now’ becomes ‘never’.

A write up compiled by Kelvin from Kelma Foundation in Kenya.

Embu County's innovation driving change in Trade sector

In a commendable stride towards fostering both public health and sustainable business practices, Embu County, under the astute guidance of the Department of Trade, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at sensitizing local traders. The unveiling of the Business Support Centre, coupled with the development of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) manual, marks a pivotal moment in the county's commitment to fostering a conducive business environment while prioritizing the health and well-being of its residents.
Embu County Trade and Marketing CEC Francis Ndwiga.

Under the visionary leadership of County CEC in charge of Trade and Marketing, Francis Ndwiga, Embu County has embarked on a multifaceted approach to empower local traders and elevate business standards across the region. Through quarterly support supervision and meticulous inspections, particularly targeting bars, the county administration is ensuring strict adherence to health regulations while providing invaluable guidance and support to business owners.

Speaking on the initiative, CEC Ndwiga lauded the proactive involvement of the community, emphasizing the pivotal role played by local stakeholders in supporting the county's efforts to regulate and elevate the standards of village bars.

This collaborative approach underscores the collective commitment towards safeguarding public health and promoting responsible business practices within Embu County.

The establishment of the Business Support Centre serves as a centralized hub for traders to access vital resources, guidance, and training opportunities aimed at enhancing their operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the development of the SOPs manual provides a comprehensive framework to streamline business operations while upholding the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

The quarterly support supervision and inspection initiatives exemplify the county's proactive stance in ensuring continuous monitoring and evaluation of business practices. By conducting regular stock-taking forums, the county administration fosters a culture of accountability and transparency while providing traders with an avenue to review progress and address any challenges or concerns.

Embu County's holistic approach to sensitizing traders underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering a conducive business environment that prioritizes public health and sustainability. Through innovative strategies and community engagement, the county administration is setting a precedent for proactive governance and collaborative partnerships in driving positive change within the local business landscape.

As Embu County continues to chart a path towards prosperity and progress, initiatives like the Business Support Centre and comprehensive SOPs manual stand as testament to its unwavering dedication to the well-being and prosperity of its residents. With steadfast leadership and community-driven initiatives, Embu County is poised to emerge as a beacon of excellence in promoting responsible business practices and enhancing public health standards across the region.

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT

TIME AND OPPORTUNITY ARE INTERTWINED

Most people miss opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes then learn how to do it later.
An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty

Excuses will always be there for you.Opportunity won’t. Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it.

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. “Pursuing your passions makes you more interesting and interesting people are enchanting.” Guy Kawasaki. 

Expect change. Analyze the landscape. Take the opportunities. Stop being the chess piece; become the player. It’s your move.

Opportunity is everywhere. The key is to develop the vision to see it. Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.

I must govern the clock and not being governed by it. Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.

You can only manage time if you track it right. ''Your greatest asset is your earning ability. Your greatest resource is your time.'' Brian Tracy. Don’t wait. The time will never be just right. The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine .''It’s not a daily increase but a daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.'' Bruce Lee. 

Once you have mastered time, you will understand how true it is that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade! Tough times never last but tough people do.

A thoughtfully composed write up by Kelvin from Kelma Foundation in Kenya.

The importance of learning communicate skills

Conversation is king. Content is just something to talk about. Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life. 
Many ideas grow better when shared.

A lot of problems in the world would be solved if we talked to each other instead of about each other. In teamwork, silence isn't golden, it's deadly. Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up.

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."-George Bernard Shaw. To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others. 

Communicate in a respectful manner, don't just tell your team members what you want but explain to them why. Communication; the human connection is the key to personal and career success. 

The art of communication is the language of leadership. Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said. None of us is as smart as all of us. It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. Success is best when it's shared.

A nugget charismatically compiled by Kelvin from Kelma Foundation in Kenya to inspire and enlighten others.
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