Understanding Violence: A Socio-Cultural and Economic Perspective

The assassination of American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and the persistent scourge of school shootings in the United States have once again reignited debates on gun laws. In my own country, Kenya, discussions on the disarmament of communities with illegal arms are ongoing, particularly as a way to curb banditry and livestock theft.

Gun violence is undoubtedly a growing menace, especially in societies where access to both legal and illegal arms is widespread. For many, this has led to the conclusion that the availability of guns is directly responsible for gun-related violence. I believe this conclusion is flawed. Violence is rarely the product of weapon access alone. It is shaped by deeper socio-political, cultural, and economic forces that influence when and how individuals choose to commit violent acts.

Comparisons across countries illustrate this point. Nordic nations, where hunting culture is ingrained, have high gun ownership per capita yet relatively low gun crime. Conversely, the United States and Serbia—both with high gun ownership—experience significant levels of gun-related violence. Clearly, ownership levels alone do not explain the difference.

Law enforcement and military personnel also provide an instructive example. Firearms are part of their daily lives, yet misuse is rare. This discipline is not the product of access or restriction, but of intensive training and enforced codes of conduct. Guns in their hands are no less lethal, but the cultural and institutional context in which they operate reduces the risk of misuse.

While it is true that availability of firearms increases the lethality of violent encounters, the Nordic example shows that crime rates cannot be explained by access alone. As peer-reviewed research highlights, violence is shaped by cultural norms, political rhetoric, and economic challenges (The Annals of American Academy of Political and Social Science, American Journal of Public Health, The Lancet Regional Health and Journal of Urban Health).

Kenya offers another perspective. In some arid and semi-arid regions, communities possess illegal firearms not for self-defense in the traditional sense, but for cattle raids and banditry. These practices are not only tolerated but often celebrated at community level, reinforcing violence as a cultural norm.

Political rhetoric also plays a powerful role. In the United States, polarizing narratives have visibly radicalized sections of both the extreme left and right, fueling hostility and sometimes erupting in violence. The killing of Charlie Kirk illustrates how political disagreement, amplified by divisive rhetoric, can escalate into lethal confrontation.

Economic pressures add yet another layer. Poverty, inequality, and unemployment drive many into criminal acts such as robbery with violence. Disparities in access to healthcare and other essential services further strain communities, creating conditions where violence becomes both a survival strategy and an outlet for frustration.

What emerges from these examples is clear: violence is not merely the product of weapons, but of the societies in which those weapons exist. Guns amplify the outcome of violence, but they do not create its roots. To meaningfully reduce violent crime, societies must look beyond the availability of firearms and address the cultural, political, and economic conditions that give rise to violent behavior. Only then can we begin to dismantle the drivers of violence and create safer, more stable communities.

Tribute to Charlie Kirk

In a world where violence often replaces dialogue, it is rare to find public figures—whether politicians, commentators, or thought leaders—who insist on conversation as the path to understanding.

Charles James Kirk, better known as Charlie Kirk, was one of those rare voices. He believed deeply that when people stop talking, violence fills the void. With that conviction, he traveled across the United States, engaging audiences in debates and discussions, challenging them to see his worldview and to confront ideas through reason rather than force.

Charlie never shied away from opposition. He met his critics head-on, speaking passionately and with conviction, always choosing dialogue over silence or coercion.

That is why the news of his assassination left me shaken. Watching the video was nauseating—the very evil he stood against, violence in place of dialogue, had ended his life. It was a cruel irony that robbed his family, friends, and countless supporters of his spark.

In his memory, I will strive to live out the values he embodied: sanity, pragmatism, and respect for life. His courage and voice will be truly missed.

🫡

Photo via @charliekirk11 on X

Profile of the Kenyan Electorate: A Commentary on Weaknesses and Dangers

The rising temperature in Kenya's political space has revealed one of my worst fears; an obscenely ignorant electorate!

What could be worse, huh?

I think the most dangerous voter isn't the poor one, nor the uneducated one—but the one who is proudly uninformed, quick to judge, blind to facts, and driven by prejudice. 

This voter, swayed by tribal rhetoric and racist undertones, does not question the integrity of leaders, only their ethnicity or loud slogans. Perhaps they don't even care about integrity!

They confuse noise for vision, identity for leadership, and division for loyalty. And when their vote is cast, it is not for the nation—but for narrow interests, often weaponized by those who know exactly how to manipulate them. 

An electorate dominated by such minds will always produce leaders of the same breed—loud, divisive, mediocre, and dangerously incapable; essentially kakistocrats!

When I try to imagine how I will que to vote with the same minds, knowing they will elect kakistocrats to derail my country, I feel so heart broken. 

Sadly this is the profile of the Kenyan electorate 

End of Night: Breaking Free from Kenya’s Toxic Leadership

For years, Kenya has been trapped in a cycle of betrayal, false promises, and manipulation—much like a toxic relationship that refuses to end. Every election, leaders charm us with sweet words, only to disappoint us with corruption, incompetence, and selfish interests. It’s a pattern that feels eerily familiar, like the story Dido tells in her song End of Night.

The song captures the relief of walking away from a destructive relationship, after finally seeing things clearly after years of being deceived. Isn’t that exactly what Kenya needs? We keep giving the same political class second chances, hoping they will change, only to be left heartbroken again. But enough is enough. It’s time to take control.

Recognizing the Signs of a Toxic Leadership

Just as toxic relationships have red flags—lies, gaslighting, disrespect, and emotional abuse—Kenya’s political landscape is riddled with similar traits:

• Manipulation through tribal politics – Leaders divide us along ethnic lines to maintain power.
• Broken promises and economic mismanagement – High taxes, unemployment, and skyrocketing cost of living.
• Irresponsible borrowing and lack of accountability – The government takes loans recklessly without clear repayment plans or transparency on how funds are utilized.
• Leaders who refuse to listen to the people – Ignoring grievances and making self-serving deals instead of addressing national issues.
• Violence as a tool of control – Inciting chaos when they cannot manipulate the people.
• Deflection and blame games – Leaders refusing to take responsibility for national failures.

The Breaking Point: A Nation in Unrest

The frustration among Kenyans boiled over on June 25, 2024, during a day of widespread protests fueled by the government’s blatant disregard for its people. Lives were lost, property was destroyed, and instead of listening to the masses, the ruling class made a deal with the opposition. A deal that, instead of solving the country’s problems, is widely seen as protecting the political elite while leaving Kenyans to suffer under failed universal health coverage, opulence in government, corruption, misappropriation of funds, nepotism in appointments, conflict of interest when government officials do business with the state, and political interference in law enforcement. The size of government has also been increased to accommodate the opposition in government hence increasing the wage bill among other costs.

Then came March 23, 2025, during two major events—the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha and the Kenya vs. Gabon AFCON qualification match at Nyayo Stadium. In both venues, chants and insults against political leaders filled the air, a testament to the growing anger over the struggles facing ordinary citizens.

However, events at Nyayo Stadium took a darker turn. Supporters of one political faction physically attacked an MP perceived to be pro-people. Instead of addressing grievances, some political leaders and their supporters escalated matters, turning it into an ethnic rivalry.  Soon after, threats and hateful tribal rhetoric spread, reviving tensions that should have been long buried.

It’s clear that our political class has a well-worn modus operandi: when they cannot control the masses, they instigate violence. They have polarized the nation, and rather than de-escalate tensions, they continue to appear in public spaces where their presence only stirs chaos and using their grassroot mobilizers to pay goons to fight for them.

I hoped memories of the 2007/2008 post-election violence is still fresh in the minds of many Kenyans, yet here we are again, standing at the edge of a dangerous precipice. This politically charged darkness has lingered for too long, trapping us in an endless cycle of terror and division.

Breaking the Wheel: A New Dawn for Kenya

If we are to end the night and begin a new day, we must break the toxic wheel of bad leadership and tribal politics. The solutions are clear:

1. Elect Wisely – Stop recycling leaders who thrive on corruption and deceit.
2. Reject Tribal Rhetoric – Unite as Kenyans, not as members of tribes weaponized by politicians.
3. Fair Resource Allocation – Develop all regions based on needs, not political favoritism.
4. Fight Corruption Relentlessly – Demand accountability and transparency at all levels.
5. Streamline Government Structures – Ensure institutions serve the people, not political interests.
6. Hold Leaders Accountable for Economic Decisions – Demand full transparency on loans, expenditures, and fiscal policies.
7. Enforce the Rule of Law – End political interference in law enforcement and judicial processes.

The chorus of End of Night serves as a powerful reminder: “Goodbye to the shadows, it was you who made me feel so trapped and confused…”

It’s time for Kenya to say goodbye to leaders who thrive on deception, division, and oppression. We must put an end to this darkness, and usher in a new era of hope and integrity. The night of political toxicity must end—but only if we choose to walk away.

Full Accession of Somalia into the EAC Was a Mistake

Recent developments in Somalia paint a grim picture of the security situation in the country. Al-Shabaab militants have intensified attacks against the Federal Government of Somalia, steadily reclaiming territory from the national armed forces. The situation has deteriorated to the point that Al-Shabaab spokesperson Ali Dheere brazenly held a press conference to mock and discredit government forces.

This escalation presents new challenges for the East African region, as Al-Shabaab’s ambitions do not stop at Somalia’s borders. The group has long expressed intent to expand its influence into Kenya, Ethiopia, and beyond, posing a direct threat to regional stability.

Was Somalia Ready for the EAC?

Somalia officially joined the East African Community (EAC) after its admission by regional heads of state, in line with the relatively shallow criteria outlined in the EAC Treaty. In early 2024, Somalia deposited its instrument of ratification, becoming a full member of the bloc. This membership grants Somalia various privileges, including free movement of people, tariff-free trade, free movement of capital, enhanced security cooperation, and access to East African Development Bank (EADB) funding.

However, a fundamental question remains: Was Somalia truly prepared for EAC membership?

One of the key requirements for joining the EAC is having a functional market economy. Somalia does not meet this standard by global or even regional measures. Its economy is largely driven by livestock trading, with minimal regulation, stability, or formal economic structures. The country suffers from a severe lack of infrastructure, including roads, communication networks, and financial institutions, which are essential for economic integration within the EAC.

Additionally, Somalia’s federal government currently controls less than half of the country, raising serious concerns about its stability. With Al-Shabaab actively challenging the government and making territorial gains, the possibility of an insurgent takeover remains a real threat. This instability undermines the core principles of regional cooperation and economic integration.

A Rushed and Flawed Accession Process

The EAC Treaty outlines basic criteria for new members, requiring them to:

• Be geographically within Eastern Africa
• Have a functional market economy
• Share common interests with existing members
• Promote regional peace and stability
• Undergo an assessment process before admission

Somalia, in its current state, does not fully meet these criteria. Its accession appears to have been rushed without a thorough evaluation of its readiness. The motivations behind this hasty decision remain unclear, but it is evident that the EAC's existing framework for assessing new members is inadequate.

The Need for Stronger Admission Criteria

The EAC should reconsider its membership requirements and draw inspiration from the European Union’s Copenhagen Criteria, which set clear and stringent conditions for accession. The Copenhagen Criteria require potential EU members to have:

• Stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law
• A functioning market economy capable of handling the pressures of integration
• The ability to adopt and implement the obligations of membership

Applying similar rigorous standards to EAC accession would prevent politically motivated or premature admissions that could weaken the bloc’s stability and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Somalia’s admission to the EAC was premature and has introduced new risks to the region. The ongoing security crisis and lack of economic stability raise serious concerns about the wisdom of this decision. To safeguard the integrity of the EAC, the bloc must urgently update its treaty, introduce stricter assessment procedures, and ensure that future members are genuinely prepared for integration. Existing members must also face a form of suspension when they fail to meet the set threshold. Without these reforms, the EAC risks becoming a fragile and ineffective organization, burdened by the instability of its newest member.