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The Colonial Legacy of Oppression: Understanding Police Brutality in Kenya

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If something wasn't made to serve you, it can never truly work for you, no matter how hard you try. This thought brings to mind the role of the police during colo days. Back then, they were referred to as homeguards—fellow blackskins used by white colonials to exploit, trample, maim, extort, and violate fellow Africans who they should have referred to as brothers. Why am I talking about this? In Kenya, we have been grappling with issues of police brutality. The police have murdered innocent civilians countless times. Why so? Because the police force in Kenya began as a tool to protect British interests. They were never meant to protect fellow Africans; their purpose was to maim, humiliate, extort, and trample their own brothers who dared to fight against the colonial masters. Understanding this historical context is crucial. The police force was not established to serve the African people. Its roots are deeply entrenched in a legacy of oppression and control. This colon...
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The Psychology Behind Police Violence: Why Officers Turn Against Unarmed Citizens

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In recent years, numerous incidents worldwide have spotlighted the tragic phenomenon of police officers opening fire on unarmed citizens, often in service of governments that may themselves be guilty of mistreatment and oppression. To comprehend why this happens, we must delve into the psychological, social, and organizational factors at play. This blog post explores these dynamics, offering a nuanced understanding of a deeply complex issue.   Authority and Obedience One of the foundational studies in psychology, Stanley Milgram's experiments on obedience, revealed that individuals are often willing to follow orders from authority figures, even to the extent of causing harm to others (Milgram, 1963). Police officers operate within a strict hierarchical structure that emphasizes obedience to superiors and adherence to commands, which can lead to actions that might conflict with their personal morals. Dehumanization Dehumanization is a psychological process where opponent...
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The Growing Divide: How the Ruling Class is Losing Touch with the People

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In recent years, a worrying trend has been growing across the globe: the increasing disconnect between those who hold power and the everyday citizens they are supposed to represent. This gap isn't just a political issue; it affects every aspect of our lives, from economic policies to social trust. Understanding why this divide is happening and what we can do about it is crucial if we want to create a more fair and responsive society. How Did We Get Here? The separation between the ruling class and regular citizens isn't new. Historically, those in power often lived very different lives from the people they governed. However, the promise of modern democracies was that leaders would be more in tune with their constituents. Despite these promises, many people feel that today's leaders are more out of touch than ever. Here are some reasons why: 1. Economic Inequality:    The gap between the rich and the poor is wider than ever. Wealthy individuals and corporations h...
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