Law Society of Kenya Condemns Police Brutality and Demands Justice

Strategic Insights -

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly condemned the rising lawlessness and police brutality that occurred during protests in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) on June 17, 2025. The brutality resulted in the shooting of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, an unarmed hawker, by a police officer. LSK expressed alarm over the incident, describing it as a heinous crime and a violation of the Constitution and the rule of law. The society also raised concerns over police-backed militia groups involved in the violence, accusing the police of standing by while gangs looted shops and stole valuables from innocent Kenyans. LSK demanded that the officer involved in the shooting be indicted and prosecuted without delay, and that the police reform to uphold the law, not violate it.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the police brutality and rising lawlessness during protests on June 17, 2025, in Nairobi's CBD.
  • LSK described the shooting of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, an unarmed hawker, by a police officer as a "heinous crime" and a violation of the Constitution and the rule of law.
  • The society accused the police of responding to demands for reform with more violence, killings, and brutality against peaceful demonstrators.
  • LSK demanded that the officer involved in the shooting be indicted and prosecuted without delay, and that the police reform to uphold the law, not violate it.
  • The society raised concerns over police-backed militia groups involved in the violence, accusing the police of standing by while gangs looted shops and stole valuables from innocent Kenyans.
  • LSK secured bail for four human rights defenders, Francis Auma, Walid Sketty, Mugambi, and Batulie Swale, who were arrested during the protest and charged with unlawful assembly and assault.
  • Batulie Swale was allegedly assaulted by a police officer before being violently arrested and bundled into a police vehicle, posing no immediate threat.

Statistics:

  • At least one person, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was shot by a police officer during protests in Nairobi's CBD on June 17, 2025.
  • The police have yet to disclose the name, rank, or service number of the officer involved in the shooting.
  • Four human rights defenders, Francis Auma, Walid Sketty, Mugambi, and Batulie Swale, were arrested and charged with unlawful assembly and assault during the protest.

Sources:

  • "Law Society of Kenya Statement on Police Brutality and Rising Lawlessness," June 18, 2025, Law Society of Kenya.
  • "LSK Condemns Police Brutality, Demands Justice," June 18, 2025, Daily Nation.