LSK demands exclusion of civilian police from Nane Nane protests

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group have written to Gilbert Masengeli, the acting Inspector General of Police, urging that civilian police officers not be deployed to deal with the Nane Nane protests.

In a letter released by LSK President Faith Odhiambo on Thursday, she stated that the organisation became aware of the National Police Service's (NPS) plans to deploy policemen wearing balaclavas.

LSK, as a result, urged the IG to abstain from utilising unmarked vehicles, vehicles with distorted number plates, or vehicles without legal registration, accusing them of committing crimes and fleeing justice.

"We call upon the Acting Police Inspector General to refrain from deploying ununiformed or masked police officers dressed in hoodies, balaclavas or other attire in an attempt to hide their identities," read the letter in part.

LSK further wants the acting IG to ensure that all policing operations are effectively commanded and that any use of force complies with the principles of necessity and proportionality.

"Excessive lethal and non-lethal must not be used against protesters who do not pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury," reads the letter further.

In addition, LSK demanded the police to end abductions and refrain from unlawfully using tear gas and high-velocity mobile water cannons against people including mothers and children in their homes.

"We are also deeply concerned by the harassment of leaders of Social Justice Centers by the National Police Service and other state agencies who have either arrested these leaders summoned them and demanded several documents this week," LSK added.

The demands came after a group of Kenyans took to the streets in Nairobi as the Nane Nane protests began.

The police have been arresting demonstrators in Nairobi's Central Business District.

Protesters had gathered in the city centre to take part in the planned protests.

They were apprehended very quickly by police, some of whom were dressed in civilian clothes, and loaded into a waiting police vehicle.

On Tuesday, acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli told the public that the police were ready to preserve calm throughout the country.

Masengeli stated that security will be increased around the country, but not to an unusually high level.

"Every Kenyan as per the law has liberty to demonstrate, picket and assemble as per the law. That one everyone is very much aware of and where the privilege of one ends is where the other starts," he said.

The Acting IG said Kenyans are at liberty to demonstrate but peacefully and reiterated that they all have to live by the rule of law.

"We are governed by the Rome statute and the Kenyan Constitution," he said and affirmed that criminal elements will be dealt with firmly.