By-laws are every corrupt askari’s dream come true

That City Council of Nairobi askaris do not consider a display of social graces one of their strongest points is a matter frequently raised by our readers. In most cases it has to do with disproportionate use of force in handling alleged offenders.

Added to corruption allegations, the askaris may not have too many fans, which is a pity given the good work by many among their number. On July 24, last year, we suggested they could do with a better image (‘Council askaris should change with the times’). This is even more pertinent given the new by-laws unveiled last week to bring order, especially in traffic management, and ensure safety.

PointBlank is, however, concerned the askaris — whose judgement and integrity should be impeachable in enforcing the laws — might have been given too much latitude, and could use their powers to harass wananchi or demand bribes.Claims of such indiscretion were raised by our reader, Mr YP Bansal, (‘Scrap trivial city laws,’ November 21). This is why we ask Town Clerk Philip Kisia: Is something being done to check errant askaris?

Councillors’ hall of shame

The councillors who last week were alleged to have led youths in demonstrations against delay in starting the Kazi kwa Vijana, a youth employment programme, may have had legitimate concerns. But, says an "aggrieved taxpayer", the violent methods they chose to express themselves have earned them little sympathy.

Why, he asks, would leaders encourage the destruction of the municipal council town hall wall and harassment of public servants for no good reason?

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"If Local Government Minister Musalia Mudavadi stands for change, he should ensure the councillors pay for the damages. The trend where councillors go scot-free after engaging in vandalism and hooliganism should be stopped," he says, adding that it would be unfair to expect the taxpayer to pay for the repairs.

He claims that while the councillors are "fighting over non-issues", service delivery is deteriorating. It is a shame civic leaders appear disinterested in ensuring a cleaner town, he says, .

The taxpayer suggests the councillors would be better behaved if Mr Mudavadi ordered that their salaries be deducted to cover costs of the damages.