LSK Condemns Brutality Against Protesters Demanding Justice Ojwang'

The Law Society of Kenya has vehemently condemned the acts of violence perpetrated against demonstrators during Tuesday's nationwide protests.

The protestors which sought justice for the alleged murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang' while in police custody.

In a strong statement, the LSK specifically highlighted the brutal shooting of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a hawker, among other instances of excessive force used against peaceful protestors.

The legal body expressed grave concern over the escalating use of force by security agencies, which they deem a direct violation of citizens' constitutional rights to protest and express themselves.

The protests, ignited by the controversial death of Ojwang' at the Central Police Station following an arrest stemming from a complaint by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, saw thousands take to the streets in various counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale.

While demonstrators called for comprehensive investigations into Ojwang's death and Lagat's resignation, their actions were met with force.

The LSK's condemnation adds to a growing chorus of human rights organizations and activists who have decried the police's response to the demonstrations.

Reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights indicated that 22 casualties were recorded during the Tuesday demonstrations, with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds, head cuts, and blunt trauma to whip lashes and asthma attacks from teargas inhalation.

KNCHR also raised concerns about the alleged deployment of masked individuals to infiltrate the protests, further complicating the situation.

The Law Society of Kenya has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting civil liberties, signaling potential legal action against officers implicated in the violence.

 They emphasize that the right to peaceful assembly is fundamental in a democratic society and must be respected by state agencies.