Kenya is presently in a dangerous situation. The continuing Azimio protests are likely to result in increased violence, both by angry protestors and the police trying to restore law and order.
In this situation, hyperbole, or exaggerated language, does not help anybody. It raises the temperature and inflames already dangerous sentiment.
So National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi should not talk about 'genocide' and compare the police crackdown on protestors to the Holocaust against the Jews in World War Two.
Firstly, it is not 'genocide' against an ethnic group. There are Luos in Cabinet and elsewhere in government. However most protestors are hardcore ODM supporters. Therefore, sadly, the majority of injuries will be incurred by them.
Secondly, it is not clear how many people have been killed in the violence surrounding the 'maandamano'. Estimates range from 15 to 30. Around six million Jews died in the Holocaust. What is happening around the Azimio protests is not comparable.
In this tense moment, sober speech is called for. It is legitimate to criticise the high cost of living and the Finance Bill. But to compare police violence around the demos to genocide is excessive and inflammatory.
Quote of the day: "An unmarried man, in my opinion, enjoys only half a life."
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The German composer completed his 40th Symphony on July 25, 1788
