The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a stern warning to rogue police officers allegedly involved in the illegal arrests and abductions of anti-Finance Bill protesters. LSK President Faith Odhiambo strongly condemned these actions, asserting that they signal a return to a dark era characterized by repressive and extrajudicial police tactics.
“Over the last 72 hours, Kenya has been drawn back to the dark era of a rogue, irrational police force operating through repressive, retrogressive, clandestine, illegal, extrajudicial tactics to forcefully quell public dissent against misgivings of government, lapses in governance, and more specifically, the contentious Finance Bill 2024,” Odhiambo stated.
The LSK highlighted that police have resorted to intimidation tactics against perceived leaders and facilitators of the ongoing demonstrations after failing to impose criminal charges. According to the LSK, at least five individuals have been abducted by unidentified armed men, with the most recent being newspaper columnist Gabriel Oguda. Additionally, several other individuals have reported threats, surveillance, and monitored communications.
Odhiambo emphasized that these arrests are illegal and undermine human rights in the country. The LSK demands that police and investigative agencies reveal the identities and locations of those detaining the social media influencers. Should the authorities fail to comply, lawyers have warned that they will unmask those responsible and take legal action against them.
The Society has already aided the release of three individuals since last Friday, including influencer Billy Simani and Dr. Austin Omondi. The LSK remains vigilant and committed to protecting the rights of those opposing the Finance Bill 2024 and ensuring that any unlawful actions by the police are brought to light and addressed.