LSK files petition seeking justice for victims of police brutality during 2023 protests

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has filed a petition at the Kisumu High Court on behalf of 28 individuals who suffered injuries or died as a result of police brutality during the 2023 protests against the high cost of living.

LSK Kisumu Chairperson Dorcas Oluoch presented the petition in court on Wednesday, detailing the distressing experiences of the victims and demanding justice.

The petition highlights the severe hardships faced by residents of Kisumu, Migori, and Homa Bay counties due to the excessive force used by police during the demonstrations.

One of the petitioners recounted the loss of his son, who was shot dead during the protests in Nyalenda. He called for justice for his son and other families who lost their loved ones.

“We saw senior police officers being praised and given promotions, which felt like a reward for their actions. Meanwhile, our families are left grieving. If we get justice, it will bring some solace,” the petitioner said.

Oluoch said the goal of the petition is not only to hold the officers directly involved in the acts accountable but also to ensure that those in command within the police services are held responsible.

“Our aim is not only to hold accountable those who were directly involved in these atrocities but also to ensure that those in command within the police services are held responsible. We seek compensation for the families affected by these tragic events,” she said.

Ruth Kihuria, an attorney with International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya, revealed that the petition includes a request for the Inspector General of Police to be held accountable for the violations of the petitioners' rights.

“Among the prayers is for the Inspector General of Police to be held accountable for the violations of the petitioners' rights. This includes addressing cases where individuals were shot, injured, or suffered severe fatal injuries,” Kihuria said.

The protests, which began in 2023, were triggered by the removal of subsidies on essential goods such as maize flour and petroleum, leading to widespread unrest.

On March 20, 2023, Opposition leader Raila Odinga, called for nationwide demonstrations to protest the high cost of living and allege fraud from the August 2022 elections.

During the nationwide protests, police used tear gas and arrested dozens, including two opposition members of parliament.

Raila had announced that the anti-government protests would continue every Monday and Thursday until the government addressed their demands.

On July 20, 2023, Amnesty International reported at least 30 cases of police killings of protesters since the start of the March 2023 protests.