Described as having lost “its innocence” by the Citizen News Gang, Tanzania is in a political meltdown. After days of internet shutdowns, blackouts and curfews, the truth is slowly beginning to shine through state’s efforts to censor or control information. With this, comes credible concerns about the conditions of Tanzanian protesters and Kenyans caught up in the violence.

Several victims’ families, human rights defenders, netizens and bots this week focused on holding the advisory Panel of Experts on compensation for victims of brutal protest policing legally accountable. Their call is clear. A newly released report strengthens the case for urgent criminal justice reforms to prevent and respond to police related deaths and trauma.

Two separate moments, tens of thousands of kilometres apart in Palestine and Tennessee, share parallels with the violence in Kibera last...