The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has sharply criticized the government’s handling of the June 25 protests, accusing officials of issuing “reckless, insensitive, and misleading” statements.
Through a statement on Friday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo dismissed claims that the Society had played a partisan role in the demonstrations that left at least 16 people dead and many others injured. This came a day after the government claimed the protest was part of a failed coup attempt.
“Our allegiance as a Society lies squarely with the Constitution, the public interest, and our membership,” Odhiambo stated, calling the accusations “ill-advised balderdash” meant to mislead the public. She emphasized that LSK remains committed to the rule of law and neutrality as mandated by the Law Society of Kenya Act.
The Society condemned attempts to link it to political movements, warning that such efforts are not only false but dangerous. Odhiambo maintained that LSK’s role is to uphold justice and constitutional order—not political agendas.
The Society also took issue with statements made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other government officials who defended police actions during the protests. Without naming Murkomen directly, Odhiambo accused him of encouraging defiance of court orders and police aggression.
“We remind Murkomen that as a State officer and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, he is bound by his constitutional duties and oath of office, which demand fidelity to the law,” she said, in reference to Murkomen’s remarks rejecting a court order to restore media stations taken off-air over national security claims.
She further described suggestions that shoot-to-kill orders are acceptable as a gross abandonment of duty. The Society warned that any such orders are unlawful and that officers found engaging in extrajudicial killings will be held personally accountable.
“Any unjustified act of aggression, disproportionate use of force, or extrajudicial killing carried out under such illegal directives will be deemed a premeditated crime,” LSK warned.
Odhiambo urged young people to continue exercising their democratic rights peacefully and within the law. She pledged that the Society would not remain silent in the face of injustice or threats to the public’s constitutional freedoms.
“We cannot entertain nefarious threats on the lives and well-being of the sovereign people,” she said.
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