A section of Kenyans on X have raised alarm over alleged cases of police harassment, extortion, and intimidation targeting individuals wearing dreadlocks, sparking widespread debate on profiling and abuse of power by law enforcement officers.
The claims, which have gone viral online, suggest that some officers are using dreadlocks as a pretext to stop, search, and allegedly extort money from young people, particularly those moving around at night.
X user Miss Macharia first brought attention to the issue, alleging that Kenyans with dreadlocks are increasingly being forced to shave their hair or risk being targeted by police operations.
“There’s so many reports of people cutting their dreadlocks because Kenya Police has been using that as an excuse to extort them. Especially people who commute at night. The speed with which we are regressing as a country is very saddening,” she wrote.
Another user, SK Kaiga, shared a detailed account of his alleged ordeal in Ongata Rongai on Wednesday night, claiming he was accosted by plainclothes officers during a routine food run.
He alleged that the officers manhandled him, arrested him alongside other young men, and charged him with offences he insists were false, including claims that were later changed during processing at the police station.
Kaiga further alleged that he was initially linked to a serious charge before it was later altered after what he described as intervention during his detention. He also claimed he spent hours in custody before being released on bail the following day, describing the experience as traumatic and unjust.
His account has drawn strong reactions online, with users expressing outrage over what they term arbitrary arrests and abuse of power.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama also weighed in, describing the allegations as “sad,” and warning of what he termed routine violations of the rule of law.
Other social media users echoed similar concerns, accusing police officers of criminalizing innocent civilians and calling on the National Police Service to address the allegations and restore public trust.
However, police authorities have in previous instances denied claims of systemic harassment, insisting that operations are intelligence-led and not based on appearance or personal characteristics.
While dreadlocks are not illegal in Kenya, rights groups note that individuals wearing the hairstyle—particularly young men—often report being profiled during police operations, with some alleging forced shaving, extortion, and arbitrary arrests.
Human rights advocates argue that such practices amount to identity-based profiling, which violates constitutional protections on dignity, equality, and freedom of expression.
The debate has renewed calls for accountability within the police service and stronger oversight mechanisms to curb alleged misconduct.
