The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called for immediate accountability over the brutal killings of unarmed civilians by security officers during last year’s protests, following a damning BBC Africa Eye investigation that exposed shocking police executions.
In a strongly worded statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the extrajudicial killings and demanded urgent investigations into historical violations by state security agencies. The BBC exposé, aired on April 27, 2025, revealed graphic footage of police officers executing young protesters during anti-government demonstrations, sparking nationwide outrage .
The LSK sharply criticized the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for its sluggish response to police brutality cases. Despite receiving 60 complaints linked to last year’s protests, IPOA has only concluded six investigations—a delay the LSK branded as a “dereliction of duty.”
“Laxity and complacency in such matters amount to complicity,” the LSK stated. “IPOA has exhausted public patience and risks liability for failing its mandate.”
Four Key Demands for Justice
The lawyers’ body outlined a series of demands to ensure accountability:
- Expedited Investigations – The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and IPOA must fast-track probes into last year’s mass killings and resolve all pending cases swiftly.
- Prosecute Officers – The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) must order the Inspector General of Police to investigate and sanction officers captured on camera using excessive force or executing civilians.
- Historical Audit – The National Security Council must mandate a full audit of past extrajudicial killings, identify perpetrators, and ensure legal action is taken.
- Transparency & Witness Protection – The government must publicly release past investigation reports and provide state protection for witnesses to aid prosecutions.
“Police Must Protect Life, Not Take It”
Emphasizing the sanctity of the Constitution, the LSK declared that security agencies owe allegiance to the rule of law—not political leaders.
“The police must protect life, not take it. Extrajudicial killings are not just crimes; they are a direct attack on Kenya’s democracy,” the statement read.
LSK urged Kenyans, civil society, and state agencies to unite against impunity.
“The right to life is sacred. Those who violate it must face the full force of the law,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
As public pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the government’s next move—and whether justice will finally be served for the victims of police violence.
