Hate speech is on the rise in Kenya, reflecting deepening animosity based on ethnic identities. A number of politicians and other public figures have either been charged with or are being investigated for propagating hate. Social media is awash with virulent commentary. Clearly, the country has not learnt any lessons from the post-election violence of 2007/8.

Several international organisations have written to the World Bank president expressing their concern at the Bank’s silence regarding the arrest and detention of an Ethiopian who worked as translator for the institution last year. The organisations want the World Bank to intervene in case of Pastor Omot and his companions who face long prison terms on false terrorism charges.

Pope Francis arrives in Uganda at the end of the month on his first African trip. The church is taking advantage of the visit to make money from the poor faithful. And Ugandan authorities are doing everything to present a false image of the country during the visit. It is all hypocrisy.

Although the armed forces and police are firmly in Museveni`s control and have always served him loyally, he seems unsatisfied. The police have been massively recruiting and training unemployed youth called ‘crime preventers.’ But opposition parties have repeatedly complained that this militia is meant to harass them and bolster the ruling party ahead of the February 2016 elections.

People have lost so much; they have chosen to defend themselves from further losses. This is legitimate. However, there is a sense in which government has to take primary responsibility for the security of life and property of all Nigerians.