The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group have strongly condemned the arrest, detention, and reported hospitalization of Nairobi Central Police Station Commander Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya following his decision to release 64 protesters on police bond.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the groups said the officer acted within his lawful mandate, noting that the power to grant police bond is firmly grounded in Kenya’s constitutional and legal framework.
“Criminalising the exercise of this discretion undermines the rule of law. It chills professional judgment within the police service and signals unlawful interference in operational independence,” the statement read.
The two organisations further raised concern over reports that the arrest was carried out on “orders from above,” warning that such claims point to possible politicisation of policing and abuse of command structures.
The statement also criticised emerging claims linking transport sector protests and boycott organisers to “economic sabotage,” describing the narrative as far-fetched and disproportionate.
The groups argued that the ongoing nationwide stay-away by public transport operators is a response to steep fuel price increases and falls within the scope of a free economy and lawful industrial action.
They warned that attempts to charge spokespersons from the transport sector with economic sabotage could amount to an abuse of office.
“We call on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to independently, strictly and fairly apply the decision to charge,” the statement added.
LSK and the Police Reforms Working Group urged authorities to safeguard the rights of all those arrested, including Chief Inspector Angoya, calling for access to legal representation, medical care, and full due process.
They further demanded that detainees be released unless lawfully charged based on credible evidence.
At least four deaths have reportedly been recorded since the protests began, raising further concerns over the conduct of security operations.
The organisations called on the National Police Service and the Executive to act strictly within the law, emphasizing the need to observe the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and accountability.
They also urged restraint in the use of force and respect for constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly, association, and expression, as the country grapples with unrest linked to rising fuel prices.
In addition, they called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate reported killings and allegations of intimidation within the police service, warning that accountability is essential to restoring public trust.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
