LSK Condemns Police Brutality, Demands Accountability After June 17 Protests
The Mt Kenya Times 
Faith Odhiambo alongside Law society of Kenya members issuing their statement to the media
By: Cynthia Masibo
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly condemned the violence witnessed during the nationwide protests held on June 17, 2025, including the gunning down of an unarmed hawker in Nairobi, calling the actions of security agencies a grave violation of constitutional rights.
In a detailed statement issued on Tuesday evening, LSK expressed deep concern over the excessive use of force by police officers and the involvement of armed vigilante groups acting in collusion with law enforcement. The protests, sparked by public outrage over the custodial death of Mr. Albert Ojwang, were largely peaceful. However, the LSK said demonstrators were met with “cut-throat violence” from police and rogue groups masquerading as city defenders.
Particularly disturbing, the LSK said, was an attack on Advocate Ken Ochieng, who was allegedly assaulted by goons dropped off by a police vehicle along Koinange Street. The attackers, armed with crude weapons, were reportedly not part of the protests and appeared intent on looting and harming peaceful demonstrators under police protection.
“It is an anarchical act of impunity that goons can be deployed as a tool of repression against people expressing their democratic, constitutional rights,” read part of the statement.
Highlighting videos and photographic evidence, LSK accused some police officers of looting shops and aiding criminals rather than protecting citizens. The society warned that the growing complicity of the police in criminal acts risks irreparably damaging public trust in the National Police Service.
The protests resulted in 17 reported casualties nationwide. In one of the most shocking incidents, an armed officer was filmed shooting an unarmed hawker at close range in Nairobi, despite the victim not being part of the protests. The hawker was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and remains in critical condition.
“The murderous conduct of the officer involved was not only unjustified it was premeditated,” LSK said, calling for full accountability and the officer’s prompt prosecution. The society demanded the immediate release of the officer’s identity and service number and warned against the issuance of vague official statements that avoid responsibility.
In response to widespread arrests, LSK deployed lawyers across the country to assist detained protesters. In Mombasa, the society secured the release of four activists, including Ms. Batulie Swale, who was allegedly assaulted by a police officer before her arrest.
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