The cry of Somalis in Eastleigh

All i had to do to find myself almost handcuffed n taken to Pangani police station was to walk past seven p.m at night along Chai road.

I am not the only Somali person who's had to face this unfair treatment from the Kenyan policemen on patrol every night in the streets of Eastleigh. Around ten cases of the same have been reported in just the past three days to me. Just because someone is walking past seven p.m in the streets dose not necessarily mean that they are doing this aimlessly. This thought that being a Somali walking as early as seven p.m makes lots of Somali people remain within the confinements of their homes for fear of being caught n taken behind bars.

As if this is not enough reason to stay indoors, parents/guardians of these children have to bear losses finance wise. This is because once a Somali is caught by the men in blue then to get them out one they have to part with up to ten thousand shillings. Kenya itself is going through tough times n to think that one has to part with this amount for someone who did no crime at all just disheartens someone.

Kenya is a democratic country where citizens enjoy freedom of movement but the fact that these young we get caught for enjoying our right questions the validity of this statement as its stated in the recently passed constitution.
Being a young Somali living in Eastleigh i am in fear of walking past seven. Why? because the fear that i might jump into policemen on patrol and end up behind bars stills runs in my veins. The thought that my guardian would have to part with up to ten thousand shillings also elevates this fear.

The sight of  a policeman ought to make a person feel safe and secure. Sadly, this is not the case among us Somalis living around Eastleigh community.This brings forth the question, Is being a Somali living around Eastleigh a reason to feel safe ora reason to raise fear among us???