Janet Mwikali-White argues that the actions of President Uhuru Kenyatta resemble those of a dictator, prioritizing retributive justice over restorative justice and exacerbating ethnic tensions.
According to Mwikali-White, the historical land disputes initiated by Jomo Kenyatta have led to ongoing conflicts, including the recent Mpeketoni attacks. By settling Kikuyu populations in other provinces, Kenyatta created buffer zones around the lands he had acquired, rather than addressing the landlessness of locals in Central Kenya.
Mwikali-White suggests that Uhuru Kenyatta should initiate dialogue with local communities to address these historical injustices and promote integration. She proposes that indigenous locals should be given priority in elected offices during a transitional period to ensure representation and stability.
A Security Analyst, Richard Tuta, is quoted in The Standard as saying that Al-Shabaab chose Mpeketoni as a target due to its potential for maximum impact, including killing 'infidels', demonstrating organizational ability, and exploiting political fallout.
Mwikali-White criticizes Uhuru Kenyatta's response to the Mpeketoni attacks, stating that he has fallen prey to Dennis Itumbi's propaganda and is responding to perceived ethnic cleansing rather than addressing the terrorism.
References ¶
- Omati, Cyrus. 'Ephantus Kiura replaces Leonard Omollo as Lamu police commander.' The Standard, June 22, 2014.
- Sudan Tribune. 'Bashir to meet with opposition forces participating in national dialogue.' June 23, 2014.
- Kipchumba Some. 'Jury still out on why jihadists chose Mpeketoni.' Standard Digital, June 22, 2014.
- Bocha, Galgalo. 'Three Kenya Navy officers sent packing.' Daily Nation, June 23, 2014.
