NAIROBI, Kenya – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a call for the immediate arrest of security officers implicated in the recent spate of extrajudicial killings, demanding that justice be served for the victims of these unlawful acts.
In a press statement released on April 30, 2025, the LSK condemned the growing trend of police brutality, particularly in the wake of shocking revelations by the BBC Africa Eye, which exposed the execution of unarmed young Kenyans by officers from the National Security Organs.
The LSK emphasized that the right to life, enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, is fundamental and must be protected.
The society criticized the National Security Organs, particularly the police, for betraying their duty to safeguard citizens’ rights and instead perpetrating violence against those who express their dissatisfaction with the government.
“The preservation of the right to life is crucial not only for individuals but for the very fabric of our democracy. When those entrusted with our safety become the greatest threat to it, we face a grave crisis,” the statement read.
The call for action follows the killing of six innocent individuals in Angata Barrikoi, Kilgoris, on April 28, 2025, by rogue police officers during a peaceful demonstration against property threats.
LSK condemned these actions, describing them as cold-blooded murders, and called on the government to act swiftly to identify, arrest, and prosecute the officers responsible.
The statement also expressed dismay at the response from political leaders, citing the comments of several Members of Parliament who downplayed the severity of the killings.
In particular, LSK condemned Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi’s remarks dismissing the killings and calling for Kenyans to “move on,” as well as accusations by Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma, who sought to discredit the BBC’s report.
The LSK urged lawmakers to uphold their constitutional duties to represent the people, not defend acts of oppression.
Furthermore, the LSK expressed concern about the sluggish pace of investigations into extrajudicial killings, referencing a report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) that revealed significant delays in addressing cases of police brutality.
Of the 60 cases registered, only six have been fully investigated and forwarded for prosecution, a statistic LSK described as “underwhelming” and indicative of institutional failure.
In response, the LSK has made several demands:
- That IPOA and the National Police Service Commission escalate investigations into mass killings during last year’s demonstrations, prioritizing their resolution.
- That the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) directs the Inspector General of Police to conduct immediate investigations into officers implicated in extrajudicial killings, particularly those captured on video and in images.
- That the National Security Council ensures that all investigative agencies are allocated sufficient resources to uncover the full extent of historical extrajudicial killings and take legal action against the perpetrators.
- That all reports on extrajudicial killings and related investigations be made public, with appropriate protection offered to victims and witnesses.
The cut-throat reaction by our organs of national security against citizens has been a thorn in the side of Kenya’s pursuit for constitutionalism and the rule of law. The propensity of officers to resolve to disproportionate, lethal force against often unarmed citizens undermines
The LSK has called for a paradigm shift in how the country deals with police brutality, urging a collective effort to ensure justice for victims and prevent future abuses.
They underscored that any actions taken in violation of constitutional rights, particularly extrajudicial killings, cannot be protected under the law, no matter the office held by the perpetrators.
The society’s statement calls on all stakeholders, including citizens, elected leaders, and the judiciary, to stand firm in the face of impunity and take decisive action to end the cycle of extrajudicial killings that continues to mar Kenya’s democratic fabric.
