The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised serious concerns over the treatment of peaceful protestors by police, alleging the filing of false charges to deter lawful demonstrations.**
LSK Chair Faith Odhiambo reported that upon arriving at Central Police Station this morning to follow up on the release of protestors, she found that the individuals had been unjustly booked on charges of mugging.
“The police have offered no qualification of these allegations, and we therefore demand that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) desist from allowing vexatious, false charges against the people of Kenya,” she stated.
The LSK has been actively monitoring the situation since yesterday, following distress calls received through their Toll-Free Line. Odhiambo explained that they had stationed themselves at the Central Police Station until 9 pm last night, negotiating the release of protestors who had been detained during the demonstrations. Despite their efforts, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) insisted on holding the protestors overnight to allegedly facilitate their booking before release in the morning.
“We held discussions with the OCS over the release of the protestors, but he insisted on holding the protestors overnight,” Odhiambo recounted. This morning’s developments, however, brought to light what the LSK deems a severe misuse of the judicial process. “We were shocked to find that the peaceful protestors were booked with trumped-up charges of mugging,” she said.
Odhiambo emphasized the LSK’s commitment to defending those arrested, vowing to be present at court for their arraignment. “Nevertheless, we will be in court for the arraignment of all those arrested and will defend them against these spurious claims,” she affirmed.
The LSK has extended its legal support across all 23 counties that reported demonstrations. “Our teams across all 23 counties that reported demonstrations have been working diligently to ensure no protestors are detained unlawfully. We secured the release of protestors in Kitengela, Kahawa, and Mombasa and will continue to monitor the situation and offer relevant legal intervention,” Odhiambo detailed.
She called upon the public to continue reporting such incidents to enable swift and effective legal action. “We urge members of the public to continue bringing information to our attention to enable expeditious action on our part,” she said, underscoring the LSK’s role in safeguarding the rights of Kenyan citizens against unlawful detention and baseless charges.
