The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has joined a section of Kenyans in condemning alleged police brutality meted out on medics who were protesting against the State last week.
This comes after the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union Secretary General Davj Atellah was injured during the protest after being allegedly hit with a teargas canister.
Addressing the matter on Monday, LSK President-elect Faith Odhiambo described the turn of events as a violation of the constitution.
“The Law Society of Kenya wishes to condemn in the strongest terms possible the willful disregard to the law being demonstrated by government agencies in the recent use of police force during KMPDU protests,” Odhiambo said.
KMPDU staged the protests to agitate for the welfare of medical interns who were decrying lack of employment confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms.
1,215 medical interns are awaiting posting with some having waited for over six months.
The Thursday protest was led by KMPDU officials.
But during the protest, police are said to have moved in to disperse the group and blocked them from presenting their petition to the National Treasury.
“The Society notes the disregard by the police of their constitutional duty, violation of rights to protest and the disproportionate use of force,” Odhiambo said.
She went on to express LSK's commitment to ensuring the rule of law is upheld hinting that they will be seeking legal redress on the matter.
“The society will join in solidarity with KMPDU in taking all necessary action to ensure justice is served for Dr Davji," she said.
"We demand that the Inspector General of Police and IPOA to arrest the rogue individuals involved.”
At the same time, Odhiambo raised concern over the use of live bullets during the past protest in Nakuru staged by LSK members.
The Police were last month accused of using live bullets against LSK members who demonstrating against alleged disobedience of court orders.,
“The police seem to have taken a path of using force against professional bodies,” Odhiambo said.
The LSK said they will engage with Ipoa and the National Police Service to address the matter.
