What is Deadly Force?
Deadly Force is the most comprehensive database of police killing ever published in Kenya.
The project, by Nation Newsplex, records all the deaths from police encounters in Kenya since 2015.
In 2016, Newsplex is monitoring local media and human rights reports, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and human rights organisation websites and social media to track the demographics of each person killed by the police and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Specific details recorded for each case include age, name and occupation of the deceased and whether the person was armed.
Going forward, the project will bring together Newsplex reporting with proven crowdsourced information to build a more thorough record of such fatalities.
What is included in and excluded from Deadly Force?
Any deaths arising directly from encounters with the Police and Kenya Wildlife Service warders. This include, but is not limited to, people who were shot, beaten to death and struck by police vehicles as well those who died in police custody.
Suicides by police or self-inflicted deaths during encounters with police or in custody are not included.
Why the project is important?
The National Police Service police in Kenya does not share killings by police and while some human rights organistions have tried to record the cases they admit that their databases are incomplete. The project is intended to help Kenyans reflect and have an informed public discussion about the use of force by police.
How does the project present the information?
Deadly Force presents the data and stories through a dynamic database, interactive visualisations, photos and multimedia pieces that share the experiences of friends and relatives of people who have been killed by police.
How can you contribute?
We want to hear from you. Click the “Send us a tip” tab to submit your information, along with video footage, photographs or any other supporting documentation.
Deadly Force is updated regularly as fatal shootings are reported and as facts emerge about the cases. Contributions of any information that may improve the quality of our data will be greatly welcomed. Please contact us to pass on tips as well as new information on existing cases already recorded.
We want to hear from you. Send an email to report@ke.nationmedia.com to submit your information, along with video footage, photographs or any other supporting documentation where you can.
Deadly Force is updated regularly as fatal shootings are reported and as facts emerge about the cases. Contributions of any information that may improve the quality of our data will be greatly welcome. Please contact us to pass on tips as well as new information on existing cases already recorded.
Who built the project?
Newsplex Team:
Managing Editor, Churchill Otieno
Data Editor, Dorothy Otieno
Sub Editor: Vincent Ng’ethe , Victor Oluoch
Writers: Joshua Mutisya
Developers: Daniel Cheseret, Peter Koech, Dennis Karimi
File photos: Nation Library
Contact: Email: report@ke.nationmedia.com