Hooded men with guns were back on the streets of Nairobi yesterday, riding in a police car from a station that was unfamiliar to many.
This unsettling sight has raised concerns among residents, as it reflects the ongoing issues surrounding police operations, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.
The presence of armed individuals with concealed identities has become a symbol of fear and mistrust in the country, particularly in light of recent events.
Kenya has been dealing with serious allegations of police brutality, forced kidnappings, and unlawful killings.
These actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and created a climate of fear among citizens.
For example, during the protests against the government’s Finance Bill in June 2024, police used excessive force, firing live ammunition at demonstrators.
These protests led to numerous injuries and deaths, with reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions.
Human Rights Watch accused security forces of abducting and torturing individuals believed to be protest leaders, while the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched investigations into these claims.
The hooded men seen yesterday are reminiscent of the controversial specialized police units such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Operation Action Team, which replaced the disbanded Special Service Unit.
The units have been implicated in acts of state repression, including kidnappings and killings.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported over 80 cases of enforced disappearances since mid-2024, many of which remain unresolved.
The presence of unidentified officers, especially in unmarked vehicles, often heightens fears of abduction or extrajudicial actions.
In December 2024, protests erupted in Nairobi over allegations of enforced disappearances, during which police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
Opposition leaders and activists accused the government of targeting critics, and several protestors were arrested.
Adding to the tension, the discovery of 120 unclaimed bodies in a Nairobi morgue in September fueled concerns about the scale of extrajudicial killings.
Human rights organizations suspect many of these deaths may be linked to state-sponsored violence.
Despite promises from President William Ruto to reform the police force, incidents like the one witnessed yesterday show that challenges persist.
Hooded, armed men in police cars serve as a grim reminder of the unresolved issues plaguing Kenya’s security forces.
Transparency and accountability are urgently needed to restore public trust in law enforcement.
Without meaningful reforms, the cycle of violence, fear, and mistrust is likely to continue, further eroding confidence in the justice system and hindering Kenya’s progress toward a more equitable society.
Add Comment