Rights Groups Demand Disbandment of Kenya’s Corrupt Police Force

Human rights organizations, including Vocal Africa, are urging the complete disbandment of the National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya due to rampant corruption. On Wednesday, they described the current police system as “irredeemably broken” and called for a “total disbandment and recruitment” of the police force. The groups rejected moderate reform proposals, insisting that a new policy framework must be created from scratch.

This call to action follows a report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which identified the NPS as the most corrupt institution in Kenya. According to the report, 48.2 percent of surveyed individuals recognized the NPS as the government agency most vulnerable to unethical practices and corruption. In stark contrast, only 5.1 percent pointed to the Directorate of Immigration as a source of perceived corruption.

The survey findings reveal a troubling perception of police officers, with 27.6 percent of respondents indicating they consider police as the most corrupt government officials. Furthermore, 29.9 percent acknowledged that police officers were most likely to accept bribes. Despite this awareness, many Kenyans who admitted to paying bribes believed it improved their chances of receiving police services.

In light of these findings, the organizations proposed several systemic changes to combat corruption within the NPS. They advocated for decentralizing police authority to regional commissioners who would oversee recruitment, management, and discipline of officers. Additionally, they suggested raising academic requirements for new recruits and increasing the intake of female officers. Empowering independent oversight bodies, such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the National Police Service Commission, was also emphasized as critical for ensuring accountability.

The groups are demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of officers involved in police brutality and extrajudicial killings. They also proposed barring all officers currently holding the rank of inspector or higher from joining any reformed police force.

This urgent plea for reform comes amidst a backdrop of political unrest in Kenya. In June 2024, widespread protests erupted against a tax increase during a cost-of-living crisis. Demonstrators expressed their frustration with President William Ruto and the political establishment, accusing them of failing to address corruption. The protests intensified following the death of a teacher in police custody.

On July 7, a significant demonstration marked the 35th anniversary of the country’s shift toward multi-party democracy, culminating in at least 31 deaths and over 500 arrests. The United Nations condemned the use of violence during these protests, citing the deployment of rubber bullets, tear gas, and lethal ammunition by security forces.

The National Ethics and Corruption Survey, an annual report by the EACC, assesses corruption across various public institutions. It highlights the severe impact of corruption in Kenya, where an earlier EACC report indicated that the nation loses approximately $6 billion annually due to corrupt practices. Alarmingly, three out of four Kenyans have either experienced or witnessed police corruption.

As calls for comprehensive police reform grow louder, the future of the NPS hangs in the balance. Advocates for reform stress the necessity of establishing a trustworthy and accountable police force that can effectively serve the Kenyan populace.