The Law Society of Kenya, through its President Charles Kanjama, has called for an immediate and comprehensive inquiry into the deadly police shooting of bodaboda riders during protests in Luanda, Vihiga County.
The matter, which is presently being reviewed by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), has been defined as one that requires prompt and thorough intervention in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Kanjama noted that Articles 26, 28, and 29 of the Constitution guarantee the right to life, human dignity, and freedom from harsh, inhumane, or humiliating treatment.
He noted that these protections remain fully applicable even during periods of public unrest and heightened tension, underscoring that state responses to protests must always remain within the bounds of the law.
LSK Calls for Expedited and Independent Investigation
The LSK has urged IPOA to conduct its investigations expeditiously, independently, and without fear or favor.
According to Kanjama, several critical issues must be addressed to establish the truth surrounding the incident.
These include determining the justification for the use of live ammunition against civilians, assessing whether adequate de-escalation measures and non-lethal alternatives were used, and investigating the circumstances that led to police officer injuries as well as the overall handling of the public disturbance.
The Society also demands transparent accountability for any police proven to have acted unlawfully.
Kanjama also called on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the IPOA throughout the investigation.
He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of witnesses and affected families, warning that impunity in cases involving alleged extrajudicial killings erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions and fuels cycles of unrest.
He reiterated that the rule of law requires every life lost in such incidents to be accounted for through transparent and credible processes.
LSK Commitment to Justice and Accountability
The LSK President also reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to the matter, stating that it stands ready to support affected families, IPOA, and any legal processes aimed at uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.
He added that the Law Society will continue to monitor the situation closely as part of its constitutional mandate to defend rights and promote lawful policing across the country.
