The year 2012 is finally here.This is the year many unknowns unravel, among them whether humanity will cease to exist.Here in Kenya, it has begun in a rather familiar and unsurprising way; Al Shabaab terror threats; workers threatening to go on strike; even a newly-elected public servant threatening to shoot and kill a commoner.
But even as she tries to explain it away as an act inspired by fear for her safety, the deputy C.J.'s actions leave a lot to be desired and certainly raise some questions about the conduct of public officers and whether our new constitution is being followed both to the letter and spirit.Firstly, the deputy C.J's refusal to be screened just like the rest of the public because 'She is a senior government official' is arrogant and immature.The security measures put in place by the establishment apply to all persons visiting the shopping mall without exception.These measures are not a mere formality nor a fancy decoration; they have been put in place for the safety, security and confidence of the general public -the same public that DCJ Baraza purpotedly serves.
Secondly, her retort to the security guard's demand to inspect her handbag also smacks of disrespect and cheap arrogance.The security personnel are there to perform their duties as dilligently and thoroughly as possible; they are not there to "know" who senior government officials or celebrities are and therefore, the fact that the security guard did not know who Nancy Baraza was is irrelevant.
It is saddening that the same people who claim to be' reformers' turn around and begin to oppress the underclass once they have been selected to serve in public offices and sworn in.Let us hope this kind of behavior will cease forthwith.Let us also hope our public officers can lead by example and avoid the proverbial preaching water and drinking wine.
