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Trickle-Down Ethnic Politics: Drunk and Absent in the Kenya Police Force (1957-1970)

Eynde, Oliver Vanden; Kuhn, Patrick M.; Moradi, Alexander

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Authors

Oliver Vanden Eynde

Alexander Moradi



Abstract

How does ethnic politics affect the state’s ability to provide policing services? Using a panel of administrative personnel data on the full careers of 6,784 police officers, we show how the rise of ethnic politics around Kenya’s independence influenced policemen’s behavior. We find a significant deterioration in discipline after Kenya’s first multiparty election for those police officers of ethnic groups associated with the ruling party. These effects are driven by a behavioral change among these policemen. We find no evidence of favoritism within the police. Instead, our results are consistent with co-ethnic officers experiencing an emboldenment effect. Our findings highlight that the state’s security apparatus, at its most granular level, is not insulated from ethnic politics.

Citation

Eynde, O. V., Kuhn, P. M., & Moradi, A. (2018). Trickle-Down Ethnic Politics: Drunk and Absent in the Kenya Police Force (1957-1970). American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 10(3), 388-417. https://doi.org/10.1257/pol.20160384

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 13, 2017
Online Publication Date Aug 31, 2018
Publication Date 2018-08
Deposit Date Nov 28, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Print ISSN 1945-7731
Electronic ISSN 1945-774X
Publisher American Economic Association
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 10
Issue 3
Pages 388-417
DOI https://doi.org/10.1257/pol.20160384

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