Since the early 2000s, Kenya has come up with legislative changes and thrown a tremendous amount of funding at ato improve the relationship between police and citizens. Specifically, these reforms have been aimed at addressing impunity and human rights abuses.was a crucial part of president Mwai Kibaki's government .
The aim of these reforms has been to transform the culture and mindset of the National Police Service from being state-centred tosocial justice movements, security and citizenship in Kenya for many years, we conclude that the Kenyan state continues to engage with its citizens through the language of violence. This language refers to the structured and institutionalised way in which the state engages with citizens through force.
Kenya has a history of deploying its military domestically, though in most instances it has been in response to security threats, such asto suppress protests under the guise of restoring peace is particularly problematic. It blurs the lines between military and police functions, undermining civilian oversight of the military. This approach often escalates tensions and raises significant human rights issues. The military is primarily trained for combat, not crowd control.
Yet, the recent demonstrations signal the dawn of a new era in citizen resistance, spearheaded by young people who are transcending class, regional and ethnic divisions. If past reforms have fallen short, these new types of citizen uprisings under a national cause could be the spark that ignites true and lasting change. They could challenge the state to deploy a different language that doesn't solely centre around violence.).
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