Podcast: COVID in Kenya: Curfews, Conflict, and Corruption

Throughout history, governments have exploited crises to impose dangerous, authoritarian policies. This pandemic is no exception. As governments have attempted to contain the spread of COVID-19, many have imposed extreme measures and restrictions on civic rights.

AFSC's new limited-series podcast, “Under the Mask,” explores how communities are finding ways to connect, organize, and challenge repression in these times. Our podcast draws from a series of online dialogues hosted by AFSC this summer, which brought together activists and civil society organizations from around the world to share their experiences and tools to counter oppressive state measures. 

Episode 3: The finale of AFSC’s “Under the Mask” series focuses on Kenya, where a history of police abuse and election violence have left a country with a great deal of disunity. As the international community continues to grapple with COVID-19, countries like Kenya are exploiting the pandemic to promote repressive laws—including a Dusk to Dawn curfew—and fueling fragmentation and corruption.