Solve Narok disputes peacefully and legally

What you need to know:

  • It is only by punishing lawbreakers — whatever their station in life and however large the constituencies they claim to represent — that the message will sink home that there is no room for impunity.

The clashes in Narok town on Monday that left two people dead are yet another example of increasing lawlessness afflicting the political sphere.

It is becoming almost the norm that political disagreements are settled with blatant disregard for the laws and established dispute resolution mechanisms.

Kenya’s fledgling democracy will be in danger if this trend is not checked.

Whatever its roots, the dispute between Governor Samuel Tunai and his detractors, led by Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, should never have been allowed to degenerate to lawlessness.

This trend will only be arrested when examples are made of those responsible for such actions.

The law enforcement mechanism, essentially the Kenya Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions, must, therefore, move with speed to ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.

NO ROOM FOR IMPUNITY

It is only by punishing lawbreakers — whatever their station in life and however large the constituencies they claim to represent — that the message will sink home that there is no room for impunity.

Efforts to enforce the law in Narok must, however, go hand-in-hand with ensuring the peace.

Therefore, there is need for mediation on the differences currently being played out in a fashion that can only be harmful to Narok County’s allure as a premier tourist destination.

Any issue around alleged mismanagement of Maasai Mara Game Reserve revenues should be investigated and appropriate action taken.

Issues around clan rivalries will need a political solution, but not one that ignores the fact that the incumbent leaders at least have the right to conclude their terms.

Any solution that seeks to circumvent the rule of law and the democratic process is a recipe for disaster.