The Law Society Law Kenya has raised concerns by the widespread cases of violence and allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of violence including the use of fire arms by the police during the recent protests.
The society is now calling upon the police o put in place effective measures to prevent deaths and injuries during protests arguing that last Wednesday there were instances of excessive use of force, unlawful arrests, threats increased in number, intensity and brutality, with some of the cases resulting in a fatality. Serious injuries and damage to property.
‘’On the same noite, we remind the law enforcement agencies to observe respect for the principles of democracy and human rights during these protests. It is the responsibility of the nNational Po;lice Service who are charged with the mandate of maintaining law and order to abide by provisions of Public Order Act (Cap 56) of Laws of Kenya) and provide security to members of public during protests,’ Said Eric Theuri, President of the society.
It is further calling upon the Independent Police Oversight Authority to conduct prompt thorough independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries as well as the use of force and live ammunition by the police.
The society is also asking for a national dialogue that can identify concrete steps and systemic reforms necessary to bring about lasting change in the country as the protests highlight deep-rooted systemic issues that continue to persist in the country.
‘Therefore, I urge all citizens, government officials, and community leaders, civil societies to come together and answer to the call for national dialogue. The Law Society is willing and ready to offer expert mediators to bring together the difference political functions in order to find lasting solutions to the challenges we face as a nation,’ Theuri added.
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