An update of the Kianjokoma brothers’ case and the struggle for police accountability in Kenya

Abstract

This paper begins with a heartfelt narration of the author’s sentiments in relation to the loss of a close friend through police brutality.
Thereafter, it traces the history of police brutality in Kenya from the colonial period when its primary mandate was to oppress the native Africans. Subsequently, it exposes the existing structural weaknesses in the law enforcement agencies that enable police brutality. Further, this paper argues that the political class is also a huge enabler of police brutality. In conclusion, the paper pinpoints the efforts made and challenges faced in combating police brutality and makes recommendations on how to combat them.