This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
June 12, 2020
Kenyan police have a reputation for being trigger-happy and brutal, with a history of using excessive force against protesters and civilians. This is a reality that many Kenyans face every day, and one that I know all too well.
I've been to countless protests, and every single one has started with a deep-seated fear that I will be shot at. It's a fear that's hard to shake, especially when you see police officers with guns at the assembly point, as I did at Uhuru Park on Monday.
That day, I was planning to join a protest against police brutality, but when I saw the police presence, I knew I wasn't going to be marching. My fear overrode every resolve I had to march for justice, and I walked away from the protest.
It's not just me who feels this way. Many Kenyans are scared of the police, and it's not hard to see why. The police have killed more Kenyans than Covid-19 this year, and their actions are often motivated by a desire to maintain power and control rather than to protect and serve.
As I walked away from the protest, I couldn't help but think about the many people who have been killed by the police in Kenya. I thought about Samuel Maina, Yassin Moyo, and Vaite, all of whom were killed in circumstances that are still unclear.
It's hard to love a police force that is so clearly out of control. But it's not just the police who are to blame - it's also the politicians and leaders who give them orders and turn a blind eye to their actions.
Until we address the systemic issues that lead to police brutality, we will continue to live in fear of the police. And until we hold our leaders accountable for their actions, we will never be able to truly love and trust our police force.
