LSK condemns rise of politically radicalised groups during anti-govt demos

The Law Society of Kenya has raised concern about the rise of politically radicalised groups during recent peaceful demonstrations.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo in a statement highlighted that Tuesday's intended peaceful protests in Nairobi were invaded by goons.

"We are concerned by reports of hired goons taking to the streets to attempt to quell Tuesday's peaceful demonstrations through criminal activity," she said.

As a result, LSK condemned the mushrooming of politically radicalised groups who have been interfering with the exercise and enjoyment of civic duties and rights by the youth as they hold peaceful demos.

During the demos on Tuesday, pro-government on motorbikes invaded Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) in support of the state.

They appeared to have been well-organised and mobilised to counter the anti-government protesters.

However, the group later clashed with other motorbike taxi operators who accused them of stealing from pedestrians before they ran out of the CBD.

At the same time, LSK has also faulted the police whom they claim allowed the perpetrators of goonism and violence to reign fear and terror among innocent Kenyans.

"We note with concern the apparent acquiescence of the National Police service who allowed the perpetrators of goonism and violence to reign fear and terror among innocent Kenyans," Odhiambo stated.

While protesting in Nairobi CBD, demonstrators chant "We are peaceful!" pic.twitter.com/I4jve7Or9W

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) July 23, 2024

Political mischief

As a result, they have called upon the police to uphold the rule of law and avoid complicity in political mischief.

LSK argued that Kenya cannot jeopardise its national cohesion for political expediency and survival.

LSK led by its President has taken NPS head-on since the anti-government protests started a month ago.

Former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and his successor in acting capacity, Douglas Kanja have severally banned the demonstrations that have occurred in various counties including Nairobi.

Kanja last week banned protests within the city centre and its environs citing among other reasons planned infiltration by criminal elements and the lack of a designated leader of the Gen Z-led protests.

He cited the application of "international security standards for public assemblies".

The High Court in Nairobi, however, suspended the directive last Thursday and restrained the acting IG and any other NPS officer from enforcing the directive.

LSK through its president, argued said the law governing demonstrations in Kenya is the Public Order Act CAP 56.

Odhiambo said section 5(8) of the Act outlines circumstances under which the police may restrict planned demonstrations as provided for under Article 37 of the Constitution and lack of a designated leader does not warrant such restrictive measures.

"It is inconceivable that the National Police Service can suspend the clear provisions of the relevant domestic legislation in favour of enforcing imaginary international standards to which no evidence indicates Kenya being party to," she noted.

"Section 5 of the Public Order Act by its expression and import does not make it a mandatory requirement that protests must have determinate leaders. We ask the police not to imagine any leaders."