LSK condemns abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kiza Besigye

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo described the incident as an attack on democratic principles and a direct assault on the freedoms that define a democratic society.

She urged the international community to intervene immediately, emphasising the importance of drawing global attention to this serious violation.

"We are witnessing a return to an era of abductions and killings, which undermines media freedom and democratic processes," Odhiambo stated, urging swift international action to address the situation.

In addition to this condemnation, LSK also highlighted ongoing issues within Kenya’s judicial and law enforcement systems, calling for urgent reforms. 

The society expressed concern over corruption within the judiciary and the lack of transparency in handling cases, particularly those involving police misconduct. 

Odhiambo called on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to work with LSK to develop a comprehensive framework for addressing complaints, improving case tracking, and ensuring public accountability. 

"The judiciary must rise to its constitutional duty," Odhiambo asserted, adding that recent reports of bribery and indecision have eroded public trust in the system.

On the issue of police misconduct, LSK demanded an immediate investigation into the torture and killings committed during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.

Odhiambo urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to conduct thorough investigations and hold the perpetrators responsible.

She also demanded that the findings be used to launch disciplinary proceedings against the officers involved, and that cases be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for criminal charges.

"We demand accountability for those responsible for police violence during the protests," she said. LSK also called for the formation of an inter-agency oversight committee to ensure that the recommendations are carried out, with a public report to follow.

Odhiambo also criticised the government's inaction on extrajudicial killings and kidnappings, accusing the executive branch of paying only "lip service" to these serious issues.

The society urged greater political will to address these violations, which continue to undermine the rule of law in the country.