The influence of Vigilantism on National Security in Kenya: a Case Study of Sungusungu in Kisii County (2002-2019)

Abstract

Vigilantism, a security phenomena based on a retributive justice model and commonly understood as an alternative mechanism of providing security and justice where the State does not, significantly affects national security. In theory, vigilante groups can be an alternate to security and justice organs, but in practice the influence of their activities on national security is usually ambivalent. Surprisingly, in Kenya, little scholarly consideration has been accorded to the influence of vigilantism on national security, yet the phenomenon is a serious indictment on the country’s criminal and justice system. It is against this background that the study set out to investigate and document the influence of vigilantism on national security with a special reference to Sungusungu vigilante group in Kisii County. The research utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using in-depth interviews (IDI), Focus Group Discussions (FGD) as well as pre-planned semi-structured interview guides. A comprehensive desk review of various subject-related books, publications, journals, periodicals and reports was also used to provide secondary data. Information was further gathered by conducting research over the internet. The researcher also collected data both from the social media and the local newspapers for news developments and information on Sungusungu vigilantism. Related legislations were also reviewed to provide the legal framework on vigilantism in Kenya. The data collected was qualitative in nature and as such content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that Sungusungu emerged following a wave of criminal activities in Kisii County and the failure of the National Police Service (NPS) to tame the crime. It was further established that the influence of Sungusungu vigilantism on security of Kisii county residents has largely been inconsistent and seemingly paradoxical: whereas Sungusungu members have been swift, prompt and effective in protecting members of the public against criminals, they have also been contributing to intensifying wave of insecurity through their involvement in many criminal activities that ranges from extra-judicial killings, torture, extortion, illegal connections of water and electricity, illegal arrest and running of several kangaroo courts. It was further established that the integration of Sungusungu members into the official community policing has worsened the management of security in Gusii land. It was established that what is happening in Kisii County under the guise of community policing is nothing less than perpetration of criminal activities. Based on the conclusion drawn from the study findings, it is clear that vigilantism has negative influence on Kenya’s national security. Sungusungu vigilantism can never be a solution to the security challenges affecting the people of Kisii County, as most of the respondents indicated. However, in the absence of an effective criminal judicial system, Sungusungu vigilantism remains a justified recourse available to the residents of Kisii County, albeit, with a serious threat of throwing the county into abyss of lawlessness and culture of violence. A multifaceted approach aimed at addressing social-economic challenges affecting the youth and reforming security and judicial sectors must be harnessed to save the country from this emerging phenomenon.