This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
Crime has become a normalized aspect of Kenyan society, with the ordinary citizen often failing to understand what constitutes a criminal act. This is a far cry from the past, when violent crimes were a rarity and those who committed them were feared and respected.
Fast forward to the present, and we see a different picture. The rise of technology has enabled criminals to operate with ease, hacking into bank systems and stealing large sums of money without ever having to physically enter a bank. This is a far cry from the violent bank robberies of the past, which often resulted in casualties.
But what's even more concerning is the rise of organized crime, where individuals with education and skills choose to work against the law. These cartels are faceless organizations that operate in every sector of the economy, from Parliament to the private sector. Their aim is to control the narrative and ensure that justice is not served to victims.
The cartel's modus operandi is to sacrifice junior officers and silence anyone who dares to contradict their position. This is a clear indication that the pleasure-pain principle is at play, where punishment is not painful enough to deter criminals. As long as the scales are tilted towards pleasure, we will continue to lose our professionals to the criminal world.
It's time for Kenyans to wake up and realize that crime is not just a lifestyle, but a threat to our economy and society. We need to take a stand against organized crime and ensure that justice is served to victims.
— By Charles Odhiambo, Director, Crimesight Solutions.
