Seasons when police misconduct took place: What Kenyans said in a survey

Patterns of police misconduct in Kenya reveal troubling seasonal spikes tied to economic and political events.

Payment periods—typically end-of-month—saw the highest incidence, with 30.9% of respondents reporting abuse, often linked to extortion or harassment.

Electoral seasons followed closely, accounting for 23.5% of cases, as campaigns and post-election tensions created volatile interactions between citizens and law enforcement.

Protests, whether spontaneous or organised, triggered 22.8% of reported misconduct, underscoring the risks faced by demonstrators.

Even natural cycles played a role: the rainy season saw 20.2% of incidents, possibly due to increased enforcement in congested areas.

Agricultural periods like harvesting and planting were less affected but still notable, with 9.8% and 8.0% respectively.

The data, drawn from 2,444 participants between March 2022 and March 2024, reflects lived experiences, with 96% of those affected contributing to the survey.