The Law Society of Kenya and Police Reforms Working Group have issued demands to the Inspector General of police as Nane Nane protests rock various parts of the country.
In a joint statement, LSK and PRWG expressed concerns over masked and armed persons who intended to disrupt planned protests in Nandi county against poor governance as well as other parts.
“We call upon the Acting Police. Inspector General to refrain from deploying ununiformed or masked police officers dressed in hoodies, balaclavas or other attire in an attempt to hide their identities,” the statement read in part.
Aside from that, the groups want the IG to refrain from using unmarked vehicles, those with distorted number plates as well as those without legal registration.
They further want the IG to ensure that all policing operations are effectively commanded.
“Excessive lethal and non-lethal must not be used against protesters who do not pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury,” they said.
“We are also deeply concerned by the harassment of leaders of Social Justice Centers by the National Police. Service and other state agencies who have either arrested these leaders summoned them and demanded several documents this week,” LSK added.
“We condemn this use of intimidation tactics designed to force them to withdraw from participating in protests. We call upon the Police to refrain from arbitrarily arresting individuals.”
JOINT STATEMENT OF @LawSocietyofKe and @ReformsGroup pic.twitter.com/A52Ck5zbnK
— Law Society of Kenya (@LawSocietyofKe) August 8, 2024
