This growing tension has led to a surge of mistrust between ordinary citizens and law enforcement officers. As both sides try to outmaneuver each other, Kenyans have devised a clever way to identify undercover cops and avoid getting caught up in their traps.
This new tactic revolves around a simple phrase: "Afande Please." It has quickly become a popular way for Kenyans to signal to undercover officers that their disguise has been seen through and that their tricks will not work.
By saying "Afande Please," people are essentially telling the police, "I know who you are, I know what you're trying to do, and I won't fall for it."
The phrase has taken off in a big way. It's not just being used in conversations; it's also appearing on t-shirts and in social media posts. This quick-witted response has become a part of Nairobi's street culture almost overnight.
The phrase "Afande Please" emerged as a response to the police's increasingly sophisticated methods of apprehending suspects.
For weeks, stories have surfaced online about people being ambushed at their homes, workplaces, or even while out with friends. These incidents often lead to a flurry of social media campaigns calling for the release of the detained individuals.
Many Kenyans have wondered how the police are so successful in their operations. Questions like "How do the police know where I am all the time?" and "Who is leaking our locations?" have been frequently asked on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter).
Some speculate that the police have blended into society so well that they are nearly indistinguishable from ordinary citizens. They might be the person standing next to you at a bus stop, the friendly stranger striking up a conversation, or even someone retweeting your posts online.
Amid this climate of suspicion, the phrase "Afande Please" has become a tool for self-preservation. It acts as a shield against potential entrapment. By invoking this phrase, Kenyans are attempting to break the illusion of the undercover officers and protect themselves from arbitrary arrest.
One notable incident involved a Kenyan social media user named Gathoni Mwanza, who shared her experience on X.
She described receiving random texts from someone asking about her location and other personal details. Suspecting that it was an undercover cop trying to gather information, she responded with "Afande Please," effectively shutting down the conversation.
The phrase has even inspired local comedians. Popular comedian Mwirigi created a viral skit where he encounters various suspicious strangers asking odd questions.
In each scenario, Mwirigi quickly realizes the stranger's intent and responds with "Afande Please... Wachana na mimi. Watu wetu wananitegemea" ("Afande Please... Leave me alone. My people are depending on me").
Even social media influencers are getting in on the act. Beverlyn Kwamboka, a well-known X user, tweeted about the suspicious behavior of some people online. Her post received numerous "Afande Please" replies, with people humorously warning her to be cautious about sharing personal information.
The use of "Afande Please" reflects the broader concerns of many Kenyans about their personal safety and privacy. High Court advocate Samson Nzomo has warned that these are dangerous times and advised people to be extremely cautious about who they share their personal information with.
"Intelligence officers will do anything to nail you and track you down. They can even use your closest friend or office colleague," he said. Nzomo's warning underscores the need for vigilance in everyday interactions.
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