The Ministry of Interior has revealed disturbing data placing social media as a major factor behind the rise in mob justice cases across Kenya.
Murkomen’s revelation was made in an official document titled “Question No. 004: Increase in Mob Justice Incidents Across the Country,” which responded to concerns raised by Senator (Prof.) Tom Ojienda of Kisumu County regarding the growing prevalence of vigilante violence.
The CS pointed to a troubling pattern of graphic “instant justice” videos circulating on social media, which are triggering copycat behaviour nationwide. He noted that this is attributed to watching someone else take the law into their hands; it turns out, it can make others feel justified in doing the same.
“Circulation of crime-related content and ‘instant justice’ videos on social media platforms trigger copycat incidents and normalize violence as a dispute resolution mechanism,” stated Murkomen.
An angry mob staging protests in Kibra.
The CS told senators that this normalisation of brutal violence as a dispute resolution tool is one of the most disturbing drivers of the surge.
CS Murkomen stated that Kiambu County recorded the highest number of incidents at 90 cases, with Nairobi close behind at 85, with Kisumu, Nairobi, and Kakamega counties were among the hardest hit overall. Marsabit, Taita Taveta, and Tana River counties each recorded just one incident.
Other Causes of Mob Justice in Kenya
Beyond social media, Murkomen admited there was deep-rooted distrust in the justice system, saying communities feel courts are too slow, too biased, or simply ineffective.
“The release of suspects often reinforces this view, prompting communities to take the law into their own hands,” he stated.
Drug abuse, poverty, and youth unemployment, on the other hand, were also flagged as contributing factors, with some young people drawn into petty crime that then provokes violent mob retaliation.
Additionally, Murkomen also pointed out misidentification and false accusations, where witnesses and friends of the deceased have suggested that some victims were innocent and targeted due to false alarms.
To reverse the trend, the government says it is rolling out public education campaigns, cracking down on criminal gangs, enhancing police training in crowd control, and deploying toll-free hotlines for faster incident reporting.
The document highlights that while social media amplifies the problem, technology can also be used to counter the trend.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome holds a meeting with retired officers at NPS Headquarters on May 25, 2023.
Photo
National Police Service
