Azimio protests: LSK calls for dialogue, chides police for using excessive force

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is now calling for political ceasefire and dialogue between opposition leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto to end the planned three-day anti-government protests set to begin on Wednesday.

LSK President Eric Theuri, speaking during a press address on Tuesday, said the lawyers’ body is ready to mediate the talks in a bid to bring to an end the looming crisis.

“The law society is willing and ready to offer its expert mediators to bring together the different political factions in order to find a lasting solution to the challenges we face as a nation,” he said.

“These protests highlight deep-rooted systemic issues that continue to arise in our country. By engaging in national dialogue, we can come up with solutions to foster lasting peace. It's only through honest and respectful conversations that we can shape a better future for ourselves and our children.”

The LSK boss condemned the police for excessive use of force to disperse and contain the protesters resulting in deaths and injuries, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations into the goings on.

“The policing of protests must seek to facilitate peaceful assembly, and any use of force must be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and professionalism to avert tensions and provoke violence from the protestors,” noted Theuri.

“It is the responsibility of the police to maintain law and order and provide security during the protests. We ask IPOA to investigate the use of excessive force to break up the protests, the deaths and injuries resulting from the protests.”

Theuri also noted that while it was the constitutional right of every Kenyan to demonstrate, that right is only valid if the protests are peaceful.

He hence called the protesters and opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition supporters to order, urging them to carry out peaceful demonstrations.

“It is crucial to note that the right to protest peacefully does not permit individuals the right to engage in violence or destructive behaviour. Violence, vandalism, looting or any form of aggression undermines the purpose and legitimacy of peaceful protests,” Theuri added.

The LSK President went ahead to criticize the withdrawal of security personnel attached to Azimio-allied leaders, terming the move and act of bias and political irresponsibility.

Theuri further called on the government to reinstate the opposition stalwarts’ security teams, or to proceed and also withdraw those attached to Kenya Kwanza leaders for fairness to reign.

“The withdrawal of security for Azimio leaders is a callous decision. It's the height of irresponsibility. It demonstrates that the police have taken a side in this political contest. It aggravates the conflict and lends credence to allegations that there's a plan to harm opposition leaders,” he stated.

“The police are openly displaying bias. If they're withdrawing security from political leaders it should be across the board and not just to those viewed as anti-government. They shouldn't behave as if they are also policing political discourse.”