Marching in Fear: The Toll of Police Brutality on Kenya’s Protesters

For weeks on end, Kenyans have been shocked by the degree of cruelty and brutality the Kenyan police has exerted to peaceful protestors. The use of teargas, water cannons, live bullets and excessive force has been the norm.

Despite the continuous and relentless attempt to callout, report and submit evidence on police brutality, their has been little or no action taken to stop the savagery. Kenyans have gone the extra mile of identifying crude officers but to no avail.

Starting with the very first Gen-Z led protests, the police using excessive force have been pointed out with their images and personal details circulating online. This however led to the police introducing ways they could hide their identity as they commit there cruel acts.

The police unit deployed during the protests have been caught on video covering their faces, wearing civilian clothes instead of their uniforms, removing their vehicles number plates in order to unlawful attack and abduct peaceful protestors.

Police stations and police vehicles have been seen to be associated and meeting with goons who infiltrate the protests and cause chaos. With prominent political figures like Martha Karua pointing the despicable acts.

Despite having a motto that claims to have the police force protect and serve the citizens, they are mistreating the people who are undeniably also protesting for issues that affect the police and their families.

The acting Inspector General issued a statement before the anticipated Nane Nane protests in regards to having the police not use excessive force. It however held no depth and was taken as a PR stunt with officers lobbying teargas to peaceful crowds early in the morning.

Protestors left their homes in the crack of dawn, others assembling as early as 2 am in the Central Business District. The protests are said to be one that will bring the oppression they are fighting for down with Bangladesh as a source of inspiration.