LSK president Charles Kanjama/X
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a set of recommendations to the National Police Service (NPS) to shape how future public assemblies and demonstrations are policed, following concerns raised about operations during the June 25, 2026, protests.
In a formal letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Society said that while the police have a constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order and protect life and property, that mandate must be exercised within the limits set by the Constitution, the National Police Service Act and decisions of the courts.
Through LSK president Charles Kanjama, the society said it had received reports from various factions across the country, regarding the handling of demonstrations.
"The Society has received reports from advocates deployed across the country, legal observers, and members of the public, many of which are corroborated by publicly available audio-visual material," the letter reads.
According to the Society, some of the concerns raised included road barricades restricting access into Nairobi and other towns, disruption of assemblies, arrests, use of force, alleged interference with journalists, and deployment of masked officers during public order operations.
While making clear that the recommendations were intended to support constitutional policing, the Society pointed to existing judicial decisions that it said guide the management of public assemblies.
Among its proposals, LSK asked the Inspector General to issue immediate operational directions requiring compliance with the Constitution, the National Police Service Act, and binding court decisions governing public order policing.
Kanjama also called for an end to the deployment of masked, hooded, or otherwise unidentified police officers during demonstrations and public order operations.
“Every officer exercising police powers should be readily identifiable in accordance with the Constitution and the National Police Service Act,” the letter states.
LSK further recommended that force should only be used where necessary and strictly within constitutional and legal limits, including standards set by judicial decisions governing the use of force and firearms.
The Society also urged prompt investigations into allegations arising from the June 25 events.
"Cause prompt, impartial and transparent investigations, including by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority where appropriate, into all allegations of unlawful arrests, excessive use of force, assaults on journalists, interference with peaceful assemblies and other misconduct arising from the events of 25th June, 2026, and ensure that every officer found to have acted unlawfully is held accountable," the letter adds.
Another recommendation focused on operational command structures, with LSK asking police leadership to issue clear instructions to commanders that the NPS's role during assemblies is to facilitate peaceful gatherings while taking lawful and proportionate action only against individuals engaged in criminal conduct.
The Society additionally asked the service to publicly reaffirm its commitment to constitutional policing, accountability, professionalism, and respect for judicial authority.
LSK said it remains open to constructive engagement with the police in efforts aimed at strengthening constitutional policing and public confidence in law enforcement.
However, the Society added that such engagement should be anchored on accountability, respect for the Constitution, and adherence to court decisions, noting that these obligations bind all State officers and members of the National Police Service.
The Society urged the Inspector General’s office to treat the issues raised with urgency and take steps to ensure future public assemblies are policed in line with constitutional standards.
