One year after a deadly crackdown on protests, Kenyan streets are once again filled with anger and defiance. Demonstrations have flared following the death of a blogger in police custody and a disturbing incident in which a police officer was filmed shooting a protester at close range. These events have reignited public outrage and renewed calls for police accountability. Yet despite widespread condemnation, the issue of police brutality remains deeply entrenched in Kenya. Why does it persist, and why do so many officers continue to evade justice?
Kenya has a long and troubled history of police violence. From election-related unrest to protests over economic hardship, law enforcement has frequently responded with excessive force. Teargas, beatings, unlawful arrests, and even extrajudicial killings have become familiar features of crackdowns on dissent. These methods are not just about crowd control—they are tools of intimidation that signal to citizens that challenging the state comes at a heavy price.
A major reason for the persistence of police brutality lies in the lack of accountability. Despite numerous cases of abuse being captured on video or widely reported, only a small number of officers are ever investigated, and even fewer are prosecuted. Disciplinary processes are opaque, and victims often face significant obstacles in seeking justice. Legal redress is slow and costly, and many fear retaliation for speaking out.
The institutions tasked with overseeing police conduct often lack both independence and enforcement power. Internal investigations are frequently superficial, and oversight bodies are underfunded or politically compromised. This creates an environment where rogue officers act with impunity, knowing they are unlikely to face serious consequences.
Another challenge is the culture within the police service itself. Recruits are often trained in militaristic methods that prioritize obedience over rights. Corruption and poor working conditions also contribute to a force that is frequently alienated from the communities it serves. Rather than being public servants, many officers see themselves as enforcers of state authority—or worse, as untouchable figures in a broken system.
Public trust in the police is critically low. Citizens routinely report abuse, bribery, and harassment in everyday encounters with law enforcement. This has created a dangerous rift between police and the public, especially in low-income neighborhoods, where heavy-handed tactics are most commonly deployed. For many Kenyans, the police are not seen as protectors but as a threat.
Yet the renewed wave of protests suggests that the public is no longer willing to remain silent. Social media has played a crucial role in exposing abuses, spreading awareness, and organizing resistance. Civil society groups, lawyers, and activists are increasingly vocal in demanding reforms, and there is growing pressure on political leaders to address the crisis.
Whether this moment leads to lasting change remains uncertain. Without political will, systemic reform of the police will be difficult. But the rising tide of public anger shows that Kenyans are demanding more than promises—they want justice, transparency, and an end to the violence that has plagued their streets for far too long.
