This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
June 26, 2020
Kenya is grappling with a dual crisis: the Covid-19 pandemic and police brutality. The irony is that many Kenyans face grave danger from the enforcement of measures to curb the spread of the disease as much as from the disease itself.
Since the imposition of the dusk-to-dawn curfew several months ago, Kenyans have been subjected to brutal force under the guise of enforcing the curfew and other restrictions. While some may argue that a few isolated cases justify the use of force, the reality is that rogue security personnel have been needlessly pummeling men, women, and children who are just a few minutes late in complying with the curfew.
Over 100 Covid-19 deaths have been recorded in the recent past, with nearly a similar number blamed on the police in crime-related incidents. The brutality continues despite an apology from President Kenyatta and denunciation by Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
It is a shame that at a time when the country is faced by a deadly invisible enemy, security personnel who should be helping to safeguard lives are unleashing excessive force against innocent people. A recent opinion poll gave the police only 34 per cent approval for their role in enforcing Covid-19 safety rules, much lower than any other institution.
