Uwaga’s Message

In 2021, Missing Voices verified 219 cases of police killings and enforced disappearances. Every month, approximately 19 people are killed or go missing in police custody. Majority of these victims are young males from Nairobi who live in informal settlements.

Although certain demographics in Nairobi are more susceptible to encounter severe incidences of police misconduct, all Kenyans experience police abuse of power in varying degrees. In middle-class neighborhoods, police misconduct disguises itself through traffic stops and random ‘ID’ checks. While in informal settlements police violence is overtly present. Unlawful curfews are in place, arbitrary arrests are rampant and police killing and enforced disappearances are normalized.

There are so many people fighting on the front-lines to end the vicious cycle of police abuse of power who need our protection and support. We are all part of the problem and therefore can be part of the solution.

Missing Voices partnered with Juliani, Flawless Konya, Mugureness, Anthem Republiq and Abudabi Tembekali to create ‘Uwaga’ a music video aimed to inspire Kenyans to stand-up against police brutality by illustrating the power of unity and re-imagining a nation whose principles are founded on equality and justice.

Join us on June 8 at Kenya National Theatre, where we will launch ‘Uwaga’. The event will also include exhibitions, a concert, a storytelling session discussing the impacts of police abuse of power in Kenya.

Here are some ways you can offer solidarity:

Signing Missing Voices ongoing petition to create laws that criminalize enforced disappearances.

Report cases of police brutality to respective oversight bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) and Kenya National Commision on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Report cases of police brutality to human rights organizations such as HAKI Africa, Amnesty International Kenya and International Justice Mission