The Price of Justice

The issue of justice in modern society is a complex and multifaceted challenge influenced by various social, economic, and political factors. While justice is meant to be about ensuring that the rights of all citizens are protected and that justice is served fairly and impartially, the reality is often far from this ideal. In many parts of the world, including Africa and America, the price of justice is too high, leading to a flawed concept of law and justice.

One of the most significant issues related to the price of justice in modern society is extrajudicial killings. These occur when law enforcement officials use excessive force to kill suspected criminals or others they believe pose a threat, acting outside the law. For instance, the Black Lives Matter movement emerged in response to the killing of several unarmed Black men and women by police officers in America. Similarly, here in Kenya, the public has repeatedly cried for justice to be served in cases involving the Kianjakoma Brothers and various other deaths.

Another problem related to the price of justice in modern society is the prevalence of unsolved murder cases. Failure to solve these cases denies justice to the victims and their families and undermines public trust in the criminal justice system. In many cases, unsolved murder cases are due to a lack of resources, corruption, or ineffective investigative techniques.

In Africa, the flawed concept of law and justice is particularly evident in the high levels of impunity for crimes committed by state actors. The impunity rate for human rights violations by state actors in Africa is estimated to be as high as 95 percent, according to Amnesty International. This high impunity rate undermines the rule of law and contributes to a culture of violence and lawlessness. In Kenya, the criminal justice system has been criticized for its bias and over-reliance on incarceration as a solution to crime. Poor Kenyans are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system and are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to longer prison terms than white Americans for similar crimes.

The price of justice in modern society is a complex issue influenced by various factors. Extra-judicial killings, unsolved murder cases, and the flawed concept of law and justice in Africa are all challenges modern society faces in its quest for justice. The various call for justice movements have highlighted the need for systemic change to address issues such as police brutality, racial profiling, and unequal treatment in the criminal justice system. Similarly, there is a need for reforms to address issues such as impunity for crimes committed by state actors, corruption, and lack of resources, which contribute to a flawed concept of law and justice. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure that justice is served fairly and impartially for all citizens.