By Brenda Asugu
In a statement released on Tuesday, LSK expressed deep concern after an unarmed Nairobi hawker was shot at close range by police. The man, who wasn’t part of the protests, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
“This was not just excessive force it was deliberate,” the Society said, demanding that the officer involved be identified, prosecuted, and named publicly.
What shocked many even further was LSK’s claim that police were working hand-in-hand with armed vigilantes who roamed the streets, assaulting protestors and looting businesses.
Videos reviewed by the Society allegedly show both uniformed officers and armed gangs attacking civilians and vandalizing property in broad daylight.
One lawyer, Ken Ochieng, was reportedly beaten while heading to meet a client.
“The police didn’t just stand by they participated in the chaos,” the statement added.
Seventeen people were injured across the country. In Mombasa, four activists were arrested, including Batulie Swale, who was allegedly assaulted by an officer before being forced into a vehicle. All four were later released on police bail.
The LSK has called for independent investigations, the public release of brutality cases from the past year, and fast-tracked prosecutions of officers involved in abuse.
“Kenya cannot afford a police force that turns against its own people,” LSK warned. “We will continue offering legal aid to victims and fighting for accountability.”
The statement ended with a powerful reminder from the national anthem:
“May justice be our shield and defender.”
