This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
November 10th, 2017, marked a day when the world witnessed the devastating effects of crime in countries with unstable governance systems. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Burundi, and South Africa are just a few examples of nations that have struggled with high crime rates due to their governance systems.
Kenya is no exception. Every time the country experiences a political crisis or elections, crime rates tend to skyrocket. This phenomenon has sparked numerous theories, each attempting to explain the intricate relationship between crime and instability.
One theory suggests that criminal groups capitalize on government weakness, seeking to monopolize power and violence. In such situations, the government's authority is undermined, allowing these groups to thrive.
Another theory posits that the government serves as a buffer zone between citizens and criminals. When the government is weak, criminals can infiltrate administrative boundaries, wreaking havoc on the population.
Furthermore, some politicians have been known to create unstable environments to further their own interests. This can lead to a cycle of violence and crime, as those in power seek to maintain their grip on power.
As Thomas Jefferson once stated in the Declaration of America's independence, 'Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shewn that mankind is more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.'
Historical injustices can indeed contribute to political instability, but attempting to resolve them can be a complex and delicate matter. It is essential for nations to prioritize social justice and ensure that every citizen feels their worth is recognized and their rights are protected.
As Michael Manley, former prime minister of Jamaica, wrote in his book Politics of Change, 'a nation is egalitarian only when every single citizen feels instinctive, unhesitatingly and unreservedly that his or her essential worth is recognized and there is a foundation of rights upon which his or her interests can safely rest.'
Ultimately, social justice plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable political environment, which in turn contributes to a safe and secure social and economic environment free from crime.
