Legal advice for slum dwellers

1) The police may stop you from time to time for questioning. The first thing he is supposed to tell you is that he is a policeman and he has to identify himself. Then they should tell you the reason for stopping you. If they cannot give a reason, they have to release you. In the first place, do not resist arrest, because they might use this against you. When they take you to the police station, you must endeavour to record a statement. Then from there you can call the nearest lawyer or para-legal worker for advice. They must also let you inform you nearest relatives of the arrest. The police must let you make a phone call.
If they see that you know your rights, they will treat you differently. Otherwise they might expect you to part with some chai. (A little explanation is needed here. Chai is Kisuahili for tea, and that doesn't mean tea-leaves, but a bribe. There is also the expression TKK: Toa Kitu Kidogo, and that means something small, which also means a bribe. Even 1000 Ksh would be called something small).
In the police station, if you record a statement, it must be in a language that you understand well, and you must not be forced to confess to it. When you are forced to record a statement, you should say so in court.
You may be searched during the arrest. But the police must have a sufficient reason for searching you, and they must not use force. The search should be conducted by officers of the same sex. If it is in the house, they should have a search warrant.

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