NAIROBI, Kenya – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned the shooting of an unarmed street vendor by police and raised fresh concerns over what it calls a “dangerous escalation of state-sponsored lawlessness” during recent anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, LSK said the shooting of 22-year-old Boniface Mwangi Kariuki—captured on video near Imenti House—was a “premeditated, unjustified, and unconstitutional” act that demands immediate prosecution of the officer involved.
“This is a heinous crime and affront to the Constitution that warrants full legal accountability and justice,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo. “The victim was not part of the protest. He was unarmed, and his shooting was cold-blooded.”
Kariuki was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital following the point-blank shooting. LSK said it was praying for his recovery while awaiting medical updates from the hospital.
Although the National Police Service confirmed the officer’s arrest, LSK faulted the authorities for withholding key details such as his name, rank, and service number.
“He must be indicted and prosecuted without delay. His punishment must send a strong message to all officers who violate their constitutional duties,” the society demanded.
Gangs Operating with Police Protection
In an alarming revelation, LSK also accused the police of working in coordination with militia-style gangs that assaulted citizens and looted businesses during Tuesday’s protests.
The society said it had received credible reports and images showing police Land Cruisers escorting armed goons.
Advocate Ken Ochieng was among those attacked by one such gang along Koinange Street, LSK noted.
“The attackers, armed with blunt weapons, were not confronting protesters. They were targeting peaceful citizens and looting at will,” the statement read.
LSK said these acts appeared orchestrated to intimidate the public and suppress lawful dissent.
“The police are no longer protecting citizens but actively threatening their safety and freedoms,” it said, accusing officers of standing by as shops were broken into and valuables stolen.
We cannot in good conscience stand back as a country and watch our most fundamental institutions morph into machinery for orchestrating and concealing criminal atrocities against the people. What was witnessed yesterday is despicable in every sense, and cannot be entertained in
Human Rights Defenders Arrested in Mombasa
The LSK also denounced the arrest and charging of four human rights defenders in Mombasa—Francis Auma, Walid Sketty, Mugambi, and Batulie Swale—who were accused of unlawful assembly and assault.
LSK said the activists were peacefully demonstrating and that Swale was assaulted by police before being violently arrested.
“She posed no immediate threat. Her treatment was unlawful and unjustified,” LSK stated, adding that it had secured bail for all four and would provide legal representation in court.
The society reiterated its demand for sweeping police reforms and accountability, warning that the National Police Service is now “the face of impunity rather than justice.”
“We reaffirm our call for full compliance with constitutional and legal standards,” LSK said. “The role of the police is to uphold the law—not to violate it.”
