This research explores cases of police brutality in Kenya during the election period. The study explores police brutality in post-police reform period from 2010-2018. It is a qualitatively done study through content analysis, mainly a review of the newspapers and articles detailing cases of police brutality in Kenya. These data are analysed thematically regarding the research question.
The findings of the research concerning the research question found that the police brutality is still happening in Kenya, mostly during the elections period. The study further found that there is an ingrained culture of police brutality, which is influenced by historical, contemporary social-cultural and structural dimensions.
I concluded the study with implications of the findings, for the theory and the research. Further, the study suggests the reform policies within the context and adherence to the constitution. The proposal offers two approaches, from below and from above. The research suggests, one, an establishment of grassroots and, encourages community policing: two, review of the police recruitment and police training curriculum. Three, an increase of financial and human resources support to the Independent Policing Oversight Kenya (IPOA). Four, laying down proper parameter which will separate Police from executive authorities, and firth, addressing the socioeconomic status of the police officers.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1. Background of study
1.2. Statement of problem
1.3. Research objective and Research question
1.4. Significance of study
1.5. Research Methodology
1.6. Theoretical framework
1.7. Related literature review
1.8. Research outline
Chapter 2
Political (electoral), and socio-economic context in Kenya
2.1. Political (electoral) Context
2.1.1. Multi-party politics
2.2. Socio-economic context
2.3. Human rights instruments and policing in Kenya
Chapter 3
History of partisan policing in Kenya
3.1. Colonial Period
3.2. Independent period
3.2.1. 1963-2001, KANU regime
3.2.2. 2002-post KANU period.
Chapter 4
Data analysis-cases of police brutality
4.1. Peaceful demonstrations disrupted violently by the police
4.2. Curfews, harassment, beatings and killings by the police officers
4.3. Arbitrary arrests, detentions, intimidation, harassment of the opponent’s party
Chapter 5
Discussing police brutality
5.1. Dimensions of police brutality in Kenya
5.1.1. Historical dimensions to police brutality
5.1.2. Contextual dimensions to police brutality
5.1.3. Structural dimensions of police brutality
5.2. Suggestion to the way forward
Chapter 6
Conclusion
6.1. Research findings
Research Objectives and Key Focus Areas
This study aims to identify and analyze the persistent cases of police brutality in Kenya, particularly during election cycles, to determine why existing police reforms have failed to curb this phenomenon within the current democratic framework.
- Historical analysis of policing from the colonial era to the present democratic regime.
- The influence of ethno-political dynamics and social-cultural structures on police conduct.
- Assessment of the effectiveness of the 2010 Constitution and subsequent police reforms.
- Documentation of specific cases of police violence, including arrests, harassment, and extra-judicial killings.
- Proposing an integrated model for police reform that combines grassroots involvement with institutional restructuring.
Excerpt from the Book
Case 1: Violent confrontations and massive use of tear gas to disperse crowds
On May 16th, 2016 injuries and arrest marred the opposition (CORD) led demonstrations against Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) before 2017 general elections. On that day, the protestors went peacefully along the Nairobi University way, chanting anti-IEBC and carrying anti-IEBC slogans. The crowd guided by the opposition leaders grew big and bigger along the way. They met the police officers drawn from the Kenya police, Administration officers and General Service Units (GSU) had already cordoned the way to the Anniversary tower, which houses IEBC where they could present their petitions. Armored personnel carriers bought for modernising police were also parked nearby. The crowd reached the Anniversary towers, where the IEBC offices are. The opposition leaders began to address the crowd and the IEBC, an event televised live. As the speeches were going on, the police started lobbing tear gas and confronted the crowd to disperse them. However, the crowd in return, confronted the police hurling stones. The result was full blown fights, injuries and arrests.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1: Provides the introduction to the research, defining the scope of police brutality and outlining the study's objectives and methodology.
Chapter 2: Examines the political, electoral, and socio-economic context of Kenya, highlighting how ethnic-party politics and resource competition shape the environment.
Chapter 3: Explores the historical development of policing in Kenya, tracing the shift from colonial-era social control to post-independence partisan policing.
Chapter 4: Analyzes specific cases of police brutality, including violent disruption of demonstrations and arbitrary arrests, documented between 2010 and 2018.
Chapter 5: Discusses the underlying dimensions of police brutality, focusing on historical, socio-cultural, and structural factors that sustain the current culture of impunity.
Chapter 6: Concludes the study by summarizing key findings and offering policy recommendations for achieving a more democratic police service.
Keywords
Police Brutality, Kenya, Human Rights, Election Violence, Partisan Policing, Political Reforms, Colonialism, Impunity, Ethnic Politics, Democracy, Rule of Law, National Police Service, Civil Rights, Socio-Economic Inequality, Public Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic work?
The work primarily explores the persistence of police brutality in Kenya, specifically focusing on how historical practices and contemporary political contexts contribute to the failure of recent police reforms.
What are the central themes discussed in the study?
Key themes include the historical legacy of colonial policing, the impact of ethno-political divisions on security operations, the culture of impunity, and the challenges of implementing democratic police reforms.
What is the primary research question?
The research asks: Why does police brutality persist in Kenya, and why have the 2013 police reforms largely failed to achieve their intended goals?
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The study employs an empirical document analysis (content analysis) approach, examining newspaper reports, NGO documentation, government policy papers, and existing research to investigate police conduct during election periods.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the political context of Kenyan elections, the historical evolution of policing from colonial times through the KANU regime to the present, and an in-depth analysis of specific cases of police violence.
How is the work characterized by its keywords?
The work is characterized by terms such as police brutality, human rights, election violence, partisan policing, and political reform, reflecting its analytical scope on the intersection of state power and civilian rights.
What is the significance of the "utado" concept mentioned in the study?
"Utado" is a Sheng word used by Kenyan youth that roughly translates to "what will you do?" It encapsulates the feeling of helplessness among victims of police brutality, illustrating the power imbalance between the state and the citizens.
How does the author explain the failure of the NPSC reform efforts?
The author argues that structural limitations, political interference, and a lack of genuine goodwill from the ruling elite have hindered the National Police Service Commission, causing police vetting processes to stagnate and lack accountability.
- Quote paper
- Dr/PhD in Ecotheology Andrew Mukaria (Author), 2019, Police brutality in Kenya during the election period, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/492590
