This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
Published on June 27, 2020, a set of isolated incidents and new data indicate a growing divide between government officers and the public in Kenya. The country has managed to keep its focus on measures to flatten the curve, but a whole-of-society approach requires open listening and deeper learning by government.
Earlier this month, mourners clashed with police officers attempting to bury Ohangla musician Bernard Onyango “Abenny Jachiga” in running battles. Three days ago, two Kenya Power engineers were forced to flee Umoja estate residents in Nairobi after attempting to disconnect them over unpaid bills. The same day, police officers in Lessos, Nandi County, were besieged and attacked by boda boda riders and the public while attempting to effect an arrest.
Conflict is not the only indicator of rising stress. Conflict is only the peak of deeper, more powerful tension. According to a recent InfoTrack survey, as many as 47 per cent of Kenyans now depend on food donations or financial assistance from family and friends. Some 54 per cent of employed Kenyans have seen their salaries reduce, and 75 per cent are slowly slipping into indebtedness.
Three in every 10 Kenyans are finding it difficult to sleep. The InfoTrack survey needs to be read together with recent Nation NewsPlex Deadly Force research findings. There have been 97 complaints against the police, with at least 15 involving the death of a civilian. Two of five civilians were unarmed, with a 34 per cent public approval rating for the service.
As the secondary economic impact of Covid-19 begins to bite, it is essential to safeguard against creeping complacency and follow health guidelines as laid down by the Health ministry. Elected officers should set an example by treating the public with respect and role-modeling the behavior they expect from them.
Recent actions by the National Police Inspector General and the Interior CS have shown a commitment to holding police officers personally liable for human rights violations during Covid-19. The Police Division chief in Kisumu also returned to Jachiga’s family to offer condolences, contributions, and an apology for their role in the undignified midnight burial.
The launch of a fortnightly #EngageTheIG tweet chat is a positive step towards dialogue and changing public opinion towards the police service. However, ultimately changing public attitudes requires changing the environment that feeds strong opinions and resentment. Drastically reducing State neglect and violence, increasing public dialogues, and holding individual officers publicly accountable is the key to reducing rising tension and conflict over the next 100 days.
