The Colonial Legacy of Oppression: Understanding Police Brutality in Kenya

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 colonial hangover has left us with a police force that still operates, in many ways, as an oppressor rather than a protector.

The British colonial administration created the police force to enforce their rule and suppress any resistance. Africans were recruited and trained to serve the interests of their colonizers, often through violent means. They were indoctrinated to see their fellow Africans as enemies, not as brothers and sisters. This distorted sense of duty was passed down through generations, creating a deeply ingrained culture of violence and impunity within the police force.

Today, we see the tragic outcomes of this legacy. Police brutality in Kenya is not just a series of isolated incidents; it's a symptom of a much larger problem. The police force, as it stands, is a remnant of a colonial system designed to oppress. Its evolution into a service that truly protects and serves the people has been slow and fraught with challenges.

We need to address these historical injustices to move forward. Reforming the police force is not just about changing policies or introducing new training programs. It's about fundamentally rethinking the role of the police in our society. We must dismantle the colonial structures that still influence the force and rebuild it as an institution that genuinely serves and protects the people.

Accountability is crucial. Police officers must be held responsible for their actions, and there must be transparent mechanisms to investigate and punish misconduct. Community policing initiatives that foster trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve are essential. By building these bridges, we can begin to heal the wounds left by colonialism and create a police force that truly works for the people.

In conclusion, the roots of police brutality in Kenya can be traced back to the colonial era. The police force was never intended to serve the interests of Africans; it was created to maintain colonial control. This legacy has persisted, leading to a culture of violence and impunity. To overcome this, we must confront and dismantle these colonial structures and rebuild a police force that genuinely serves and protects all Kenyans. Only then can we hope to end the cycle of brutality and create a more just and equitable society.