Top 10 forms of police misconduct experienced by Kenyans

Between March 2022 and March 2024, Kenyans reported a range of troubling encounters with law enforcement. Corruption and extortion topped the list, affecting over half of the respondents.

Harassment followed, with nearly a quarter of participants citing it as a common issue. Police inaction and negligence of duty were also significant concerns, undermining public trust in the justice system.

Wrongful detention and violations of arrest rights were reported by 13.5%, while physical assault causing non-serious injury affected 12.9%.

Verbal abuse, including obscene and insulting language, was experienced by 12.1%. Other unethical practices and abuses of duty accounted for 10.9%.

Threats to life were reported by 8.1%, and serious physical assault by 6%. Sexual assault, though the least reported, still affected 3.2% of respondents.

These findings highlight systemic issues within law enforcement and underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform. The data was compiled by the International Justice Mission Kenya in a 2023 baseline report.