Do street protests bring justice?

Kenyans are rising up demanding accountability and justice, through social media platforms and streets. 

Youths are coming together raising their voices against what is now becoming a norn; police brutality. 

A pressing question arises; "Do demonstrations work in the face of persistent violent police officers?

Throughout history, peaceful demonstrations have been a powerful tool for social transformation in Kenya, but the current generation is grappling with doubts about the effectiveness of showing up in the streets, fearing that their cries for justice may only result in further harm.

In the past, peaceful protests have been met with excessive use of force, replacing dialogue.

Many who participate in peaceful protests find themselves injured, arrested, or worse killed.

The irony lies in the fact that those protesting against extrajudicial killings are often met with the cruel fate of bullets, they are killed in daylight by those sworn to protect them.

The government often insists that demonstrations are welcome but only if peaceful. Yet even before the crowd gathers, the heavy police presence, intimidations and arrests create an environment of fear.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly documented cases of police brutality during protests hence calling out for the investigations of such incidents.

The effectiveness of protests has been undermined not just by the state response, but also by misinformation, the public is manipulated into believing that every protest is sponsored or politically motivated and the genuine calls for justice are silenced in the name of maintaining order.

Many believe that silence is not an option; the streets remain a symbol of unity and resilience.

In each instance of violence, more citizens are considering alternative strategies for advocacy.

Can citizens continue to speak the truth to power without fear? Has public protest lost its power in a environment of intimidation, fear and force?