LSK Demands Police Accountability Over Masked Officers During Nane Nane Protests

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a strongly worded letter to the acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, regarding the deployment of civilian police officers to handle the ongoing Nane Nane protests.

In the letter, shared by LSK President Faith Odhiambo, the society expresses concerns over the National Police Service's (NPS) plans to deploy officers in balaclavas, which could potentially lead to abuses of power and evasion of justice. The LSK's letter outlines several key demands. Firstly, the society calls upon the Inspector General to refrain from using unmarked vehicles or those with distorted number plates, accusing such practices of facilitating crimes and evading accountability. The LSK also emphasizes the need for all policing operations to be effectively commanded and for any use of force to comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality.

Furthermore, the LSK demands that the acting Police Inspector General refrain from deploying ununiformed or masked police officers dressed in hoodies, balaclavas, or other attire intended to conceal their identities. The society also condemns the use of excessive lethal and non-lethal force against protesters who do not pose an imminent threat. Odhiambo also calls for an end to abductions and the unlawful use of tear gas and high-velocity mobile water cannons against people, including mothers and children, in their homes.

The LSK further condemns the harassment of leaders of Social Justice Centers by the National Police Service and other state agencies, who have either arrested these leaders, summoned them, or demanded several documents this week. The demands from the LSK coincide with the ongoing Nane Nane protests in Nairobi, which have seen a significant police presence and the establishment of roadblocks in anticipation of the demonstrations. The protests are part of a broader movement against President William Ruto's administration, with demonstrators calling for good governance and accountability.

The protests have drawn international attention, with the US government censuring the Kenyan government's handling of the demonstrations and demanding immediate action against human rights violations. Solidarity actions have also been planned by Kenyans abroad, with a protest scheduled at Kenya's High Commission in London. Despite the heavy police presence, the turnout for the protests has been relatively low, with small groups of protesters gathering in various parts of Nairobi.

The Interior Ministry has issued regulations for the protests, warning that demonstrations must end by 6:00 pm and urging protesters to remain peaceful and avoid carrying offensive weapons.