Illegal police stations sign of broken system
By Editorial, March 17, 2025The confession by Collins Leitich (alias Chepkulei, alias ‘General’) that desperation over spiralling insecurity prompted his decision to set up an illegal police base in Kesses raises alarming questions about the effectiveness of the Kenya Police, and public trust.
This unauthorised base, apparently supported by local residents who blame official police for inaction, highlights the deteriorating relationship between law enforcement and communities they serve. According to residents, repeated pleas for an official patrol base went unanswered, and requests for increased patrols from the nearest station yielded no results.
The problem extends beyond Kesses. Days after this exposure, police arrested six people in Kakamega for operating an illegal detention cell and extorting residents. After a tip from a neighbouring elder, authorities discovered nine severely injured detainees and seized various weapons including clubs, whips, and ropes. Locals reported that the perpetrators exploited prevalent criminal activities in the slums – drug trafficking, substance abuse, illicit brewing, and child abuse – to run their extortion operations.
While Inspector General Douglas Kanja correctly warns that establishing unauthorised police stations is illegal, authorities must investigate the underlying causes driving citizens to such dangerous actions. This troubling trend signals widespread public desperation from communities feeling abandoned by formal law enforcement structures, pointing to deeper systemic problems requiring urgent attention.
Kenya struggles with an overstretched, underfunded police force often distrusted by the citizens it should protect.
Despite government reform attempts, the reality remains that many areas, particularly in rural and marginalised regions, lack adequate police presence. This security vacuum leaves communities vulnerable and forced toward vigilantism.
These makeshift “police stations” aren’t merely acts of rebellion but desperate attempts to create security where formal systems have failed. Insufficient resources and logistical support in rural areas mean that even available officers often lack tools to perform effectively.
The government must prioritise comprehensive police reform that addresses both resource allocation and community engagement. Increasing police presence in underserved areas, improving response times, and establishing legitimate community policing initiatives would help restore public confidence.