Activist’s death calls attention to rot in police

The death of Nairobi human rights activist Caroline Mwatha is yet another blotch on our national conscience. Ms Mwatha worked with the Dandora Community Social Justice Centre, an advocacy group that documented cases of extrajudicial killings by police, and lobbied for professionalism and accountability in the Kenya Police Service. Her death is a great loss to her family and friends. But it is also a reminder of the many ways in which we are all complicit in all manner of injustices committed by the Kenyan state in our name.

Mwatha epitomised bravery. It is common knowledge that in many parts of Kenya, police officers routinely break the law in their dealings with suspects. As a reflection of their poor training and supervision - and yes, frustration with the judicial system - some officers take matters into their own hands and play police, judge and executioner of suspects. Individuals like the late Mwatha were brave not only because she dared to challenge the forces of impunity within the state security system, but also among her community members who often endorse the execution of suspects.