The case of the arrested Ambira High School students has elicited various reactions among Kenyans with majority calling out the government for it’s hypocrisy.
Who is to be blamed for the student’s indecent behavior? Is it the school administration, their parents or the society at large?
Well, according to a number of Kenyans, the society is to blame. Kenyans feel that our leaders have led to the breading of such Rogue youths who no longer care for and respect their elders.
Kenyans have accused leaders of aiding the development of such acts by publicly using abusive language during their political rallies. Leading the list is our very own President Uhuru Kenyatta. It will be remembered that in a number of occasions the President has used abusive language against his political opponents and especially on Raila Odinga.
Other leaders such as Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is also on record as having used explicit language in Public gatherings to air his dissatisfaction against his political opponents and critics.
Other leaders on record as having used abusive language in public include Moses Kuria, Babu Owino and Hassan Joho.
Would it therefore be prudent to say that the society and our leaders in particular have not been a good moral custodian?
Kenyan government is also on the spot for the serious manner it is handling the issue while in numerous occasion it has it has failed to act on Rogue and corrupt officials within it’s ranks.
Numerous corruption cases and ethics related cases still remain unresolved with the main perpetrators still roaming the Kenyan streets while others still hold high profile public offices.
According to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the government has overreacted. Sifuna pointed out that there are limitations to the freedom of speech but hurling insults is certainly not one of them.
Sifuna argues that the students need professional guidance and counseling and not a jail sentence.
“Aarghh…this is an over reaction! The limitations upon freedom of speech are known bwana and “hurling insults” isnt one of them! There really isnt an equivalent to the release one feels upon finishing high school. What they need is guidance not jail!,” tweeted Sifuna.
Activist Boniface Mwangi also took issue with Boinnet’s interest in the student’s case and called him out for not giving the same importance to investigating the massive looting in the country.
“So the inspector general @JBoinnet has time and resources investigating misbehaving minors but not the looting of our taxes. What those boys did is a misdemeanor, a petty offence. In Kenya our leaders can disrespect us but we can’t return the favour or we risk going to jail,” tweeted Boniface Mwangi.
Bloggers Abraham Mutai and Robert Alai also joined in the debate.
“Am shocked that a few misbehaving boys speaking rather some truths with what is wrong with our country found its way to the national agenda and the diaries of both Boinnet and Uhuru Kenyatta. I wish when we tweet thieves of Maize like Kiunjuri finds its way to Uhuru’s speech,” tweeted Abraham Mutai.
“The height of pettiness. The IG was seriously briefing the media on this? Now makes think that those kids should be celebrated. How do you even have time to brief the media on this while you are doing nothing about corruption?” tweeted Robert Alai.
“The Speed used to arrest and prosecute boys from Ambira High School should be used on Corruption cartels,its a shame to see more strength and energy right from the president on such a case. Uhuru divert the strength and energy towards corruption or else no sense in our leadership,” tweeted another Kenyan named Baraza.