LAW SOCIETY OF KENYA DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS AND URGENT INVESTIGATIONS INTO HISTORICAL ABUSES

30th April 2025 .
By Brenda Asugu 

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a strong statement condemning the continued extrajudicial killings of Kenyan citizens by members of the national security forces. Citing Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, the LSK emphasized that the loss of innocent lives not only reflects gross injustice and lawlessness but also severely undermines the country’s democracy and the credibility of its security institutions.
Historically, security organs have been used as tools of political repression in Kenya. Although the 2010 Constitution aimed to dismantle these abuses, recent events show that the problem persists. The LSK cited a damning investigative report aired by BBC Africa Eye on April 27, 2025, which exposed the cold-blooded execution of unarmed young Kenyans by police officers simply for protesting against the government.

Rather than acknowledging these serious allegations, the security forces, particularly the police, have demonstrated disturbing disregard for their constitutional obligations. This was tragically exemplified on April 28, 2025, when six residents of Angata Barrikoi in Kilgoris were killed while peacefully protesting against land dispossession. The LSK condemned the killings and demanded immediate investigations and prosecutions of the officers involved.

The Society also criticized several Members of Parliament for making dismissive and inflammatory remarks in response to the revelations. MP Bashir Abdullahi urged the public to move on from the killings, while MP Peter Kaluma accused the BBC of misinformation and called for a media ban. MP John Kiarie went further, alleging that foreign powers were behind the BBC’s report to pursue economic interests. The LSK described these remarks as irresponsible, unpatriotic, and damaging to the integrity of Parliament.

Elected leaders were reminded that their positions are a public trust, not a shield for impunity. Lawyers serving as MPs were especially urged to uphold their oath to protect the rule of law and champion justice for victims.

The LSK warned that if tensions between the public and security forces are allowed to worsen, Kenya risks sliding into constitutional crisis. It called on leaders to act decisively to end extrajudicial killings and ensure justice is served.

The LSK acknowledged a status update by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on April 28, 2025, regarding 60 cases of police brutality. However, it expressed concern that only six cases have been concluded nearly a year later, calling this a sign of inaction and negligence. The LSK warned IPOA that continued delays could amount to complicity.

To restore justice and public trust, the LSK issued the following demands which includes to Prioritize Investigations
The National Police Service Commission and IPOA must fast-track investigations into mass killings during last year’s Gen Z protests, including unreported but publicly known incidents.

Immediate Action by DPP 
The Director of Public Prosecutions should instruct the Inspector General to investigate officers identified in footage showing excessive force or suspected of involvement in killings.
Comprehensive historic probe .
The National Security Council must direct all investigative agencies to uncover the full scope of past extrajudicial killings, identify those responsible, and ensure accountability.
Public Disclosure and Protection: All reports on past investigations must be made public, and victims and witnesses should be protected under the Victims Protection framework to support prosecutions.


The LSK concluded by stating that legal protections for public officers only apply when duties are carried out in good faith. The execution of civilians, failure to act, and efforts to justify such atrocities fall outside the scope of legal protection and must be condemned and prosecuted.

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