Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri at the LSK Centre with other members addressing the Press on March 28, 2023.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has come out to say that the protests organized by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalitions are centered on electoral injustices and economic grievances and do not constitute war propaganda as earlier asserted by the Inspector General of Police.
Speaking along LSK offices along Gatanga road Nairobi the Societies President Mr. Eric Theuri Said that they’re a right of protest provisioned in the constitution.
“The right to protest is guaranteed under Article 37 of the Kenya Constitution which provides that every person has the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions to public authorities”
President Eric Theuri continued to add that demonstration right are mentioned under regional and international human rights.
“The right is also guaranteed under regional and international Human Rights instruments ratified by Kenya to include the African Charter of Human and People’s rights and Under Article 21 on the International covenant on civil and political Rights.”
The society also came out to condemn recent attempts by the Communications Authority to restrict Press freedom for covering the protests, use of force by security personnel during the protests and the intended ancillary legislative amendments to be introduced as declared by the Ministry of Interiors as catastrophic as they continue to undermine democratic principles, social stability and peace terming it tragic for a country that worked hard to establish progressive legislation for the benefit of public harmony and healing following a difficult time.
The Law Society has urged the national police service charged with the mandate of maintaining law and order to abide by the Public order act (Cap 56 of the Laws of Kenya). and provide security to members of the public during the protests.
“We urge the police to use the principle of proportionality and further take steps to avoid even inadvertently heightening tensions and making the situations worse. As was evident on Monday there were instances of excessive use of force, unlawful arrests, threats in number, intensity, and brutality, with some of the cases resulting in a fatality, serious injuries, and damage to property.”
Finally, the President has demanded the Police Oversight Authority investigate the vices that occurred from the use of police force to determine its possibility of violations of the standing orders.
“We demand that the Independent Police Oversight Authority investigates the deaths and the injuries that have occurred from the use of force by the police to determine whether there were any violations of the Police Standing Orders as well as generally investigate the use of force and live ammunition by the police.
The Society has urged members of the public to share any information and footage of any violation by the security forces for its review and subsequent actions.
