Un policier kenyan a exprimé ses inquiétudes concernant les caméras utilisées par la génération Z lors des manifestations en cours.
L’officier, dont l’identité reste inconnue, a partagé ses réflexions à travers une vidéo circulant sur les réseaux sociaux, s’interrogeant sur l’origine et le but de ces caméras.
Le point de vue d’un officier sur les caméras de la génération Z
Dans la vidéo, l’officier, vêtu d’uniforme, remarque le caractère apparemment sélectif des caméras.
Il a émis l’hypothèse que ces appareils pourraient être conçus ou manipulés pour capturer des images biaisées, en se concentrant uniquement sur les cas où les policiers semblent utiliser une force excessive.
He pointed out that while the cameras capture clear footage of officers hitting protesters, they rarely show incidents where protesters throw stones at the police.
“Kwani hii Gen Z cameras zenu mnanunuanga wapi? Ama mmejitengenezea? Camera yenye ishikangi aksari akipigwa mawe. Lakini askari akipiga tu mtu rungut tu moja inashika very clear. Zingine hata zinatoa mtu mask zinaleta sura yake,” he said.
The officer urged Generation Z to be fair in their documentation, ensuring that the reality on the ground is accurately represented.
“Mnatupimanga nyinyi. Kuwa fair,” he concluded.
His remarks, however, seemed to provoke a strong reaction from netizens. Many advised him to stop complaining and suggested that the police should also document their experiences using their cameras.
Rising tensions ahead of planned demonstrations
The officer’s statement comes at a time of heightened tension across Kenya, as the country braces for planned demonstrations to occupy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
Authorities are taking comprehensive measures to ensure public safety and legal compliance as the hour of the public demonstrations approaches.
Kenya has been experiencing widespread protests since late June, sparked by proposed tax hikes under the Finance Bill 2024.
These demonstrations have seen significant participation from the youth, particularly Generation Z, leading to clashes with police, casualties, and widespread unrest in major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru.
The role of digital space in Kenyan protests
The digital space has played a crucial role in documenting the events on the ground, with Generation Z leveraging social media platforms to share real-time footage.
Those present at the demonstrations capture scenes and upload them, while those not physically present help by sharing the content for wider reach. This has resulted in a large volume of footage showing confrontations between police officers and protesters.
Videos often show officers using tear gas and, in some instances, live bullets, prompting varied reactions from the public.
Public perception of police actions
The Kenyan public has, in the past, criticised the police for allegedly siding with the government, accusing them of not upholding citizens’ rights.
One notable example is Shakur the cop, who joined the protestors and even carried placards to show his support.
He was later allegedly threatened, abducted, and released, attributing his ordeal to his stance during the protests.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how both the demonstrators and the authorities will navigate the tensions and whether a fair representation of events will emerge from the digital documentation efforts.
