This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
Published on June 5, 2020, the past few weeks have been marked by fear and anxiety for many young men in Kenya, particularly since the implementation of the curfew as part of the government's measures to combat COVID-19.
As a young man living in a decent middle-class neighborhood in Nairobi, I can attest to the sense of unease that comes with venturing out of the house, especially close to 4 pm. The risk of assault and death is ever-present, and the fear of being targeted by the police is a constant companion.
Unfortunately, I am not alone in this fear. Many young men and boys have lost their lives at the hands of the police, and their stories are a stark reminder of the need for a national conversation on police brutality.
One such tragic case is that of Yassin Moyo, a 13-year-old boy who was shot and killed by the police while playing on his parent's balcony 20 minutes past the curfew. His story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the senseless violence that young men are subjected to in Kenya.
According to a 2014 study by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), police were responsible for 67% of gun-related deaths in six major urban centers between 2009 and 2013. The report highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in police actions.
As a society, we must acknowledge the reality of police brutality and its disproportionate impact on young men from marginalized communities. It is our collective responsibility to create a safe and just environment for all Kenyans, and to hold our law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions.
As individuals, we can play a role in bringing about change by speaking out against police brutality, supporting organizations that advocate for human rights, and engaging in conversations that promote empathy and understanding.
