LSK seeks legal support for protesters arrested during Nane Nane demos

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called on its members to volunteer legal services to secure the release of protesters arrested during Thursday's Nane Nane demonstrations in Nairobi.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo said a significant number of protesters are currently detained in various police stations in the city.

"In Nairobi Central Police Station, for instance, 60 protesters are being detained, while at Kamukunji Police Station, there are 25. We call upon all our volunteer advocates to join both Milimani and Nairobi City Court to secure the release of the comrades," Odhiambo said.

She said the detained protesters would be charged at the Nairobi City Court later Thursday and that LSK would be seeking their release.

After visiting Nairobi Central Police Station, she urged the public to share more information about those arrested to ensure comprehensive legal support.

"We will be sending out additional teams to Kileleshwa, Gigiri, Buruburu, and all other police stations where protesters are reportedly being held to ensure nobody is unaccounted for," Odhiambo said.

174 people arrested

Acting Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli disclosed that 174 people were arrested during the Thursday demonstrations.

"We arrested 126 people in Nairobi, 22 in Kitengela, and 26 in Emali, Makueni County," he said.

He said the country remained peaceful and normalcy prevailed, except in Nairobi, where one police officer was injured.

"Consequently, the National Police Service would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all law-abiding Kenyans for preserving peace and maintaining law and order across the country," he said.

Masengeli reiterated the police's commitment to democratic policing.

"Kenya is a democratic country, and as a service, we wish to reiterate our commitment to promoting democratic policing that upholds the rule of law, professionalism, transparency, and accountability," he said.

Masengeli acknowledged the supremacy of the Constitution, particularly Article 37 which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities peaceably and unarmed.

He said adequate security personnel were deployed despite the conveners of Thursday’s demonstration failing to notify the police of their intention to hold the protests.

He also noted that intelligence had identified security threats in which criminals planned to infiltrate the demonstrations and cause havoc.

The police boss emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and order even in the face of potential disruptions.