LSK URGES REVIEW OF PROTEST CHARGES

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called on the government to reconsider the use of terrorism-related charges against individuals involved in recent public protests. In a statement issued on Monday July 21, 2025, the LSK urged law enforcement agencies to substitute such charges with more proportionate offences under the Penal Code and the Public Order Act.
The society argued that deploying anti-terror laws in protest-related arrests undermines the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and sets a dangerous precedent.
"Criminalising peaceful demonstrators using laws meant for serious national threats like terrorism is unjustified and amounts to abuse of legal process," the LSK said.
The LSK further urged the Director of Public Prosecutions and the judiciary to ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done by applying the law appropriately and proportionately.
The statement comes amid growing concern over the handling of recent anti-government protests across the country, where several protesters have been charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.