Police brutality in Kenya during the election period

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

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.