Court orders police to display identity during protests amid accountability concerns

The police have also been directed to wear name tags while service number should be displayed as part of their uniform.

This is after Law Society of Kenya moved to court under a certificate of urgency arguing that the police and their agents have been threatening the creation of an accountable national police service.

" pending hearing and determination of this Application and Petition, only uniformed police officers who are badged and clearly identifiable may be deployed for the sole purpose of assisting the protestors in expressing their rights guaranteed under Article 37," reads court papers. 

According to LSK president Faith Odhiambo, police officers who assault peaceful protestors exercising their constitutional rights needed to be held accountable.

During the anti-government protests that rocked the country in the past two months, the LSK constantly condemned the police brutality meted out against the protestors including arrests and forceful disappearances.

LSK has since been advocating for all protestors in police custody to be released unconditionally. 

"We have been trying to suggest they negotiate the bail and bond cash terms so that we ensure everyone is released. Unfortunately, we have been subjected to violence and even one police officer wanted to hit me personally," Odhiambo said during a past press interview. 

The latest data by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reveal that 66 protestors were recorded missing while 60 people died during the protests.