The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced that it will be filing a petition over the dress code of police officers during protests.
Speaking to the media after visiting patients nursing gunshot wounds at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), LSK President Faith Odhiambo revealed that the move was necessary owing to the scary scenes that were witnessed during the Finance Bill protests.
She detailed that there were police officers who were operating while wearing civilian clothing and carrying guns, hence making it difficult for them to be identified.
On the other hand, some of the officers were also covering their faces with Banda and masks.
According to the LSK, covering faces was unacceptable given that the officers could break the law and go scot-free as they cannot be identified.
"We will be filing a petition. Police should be properly dressed and can be identified so that people this is a police officer. To see police dressed as thugs and they are fully armed brings a lot of fear. How can you also hold someone accountable if you cannot identify them?
"For instance, in the video of the cops in the red pickup, the faces were covered and you cannot even see them. When you wear a mask and cover your face with a Bandana, the aim is to perpetuate violence," she stated.
On the other hand, the LSK also wondered why the President had not addressed the incidents owing to his promise of police reforms after being elected into office.
"The Head of State speaks on one side, yet his officers do completely the opposite," the LSK president wondered.
The move by LSK comes after Kenyans raised concerns over the increased use of masks and bandanas by the police during protests.
Notably, Kenyans on social media have taken it upon themselves to identify officers who were operating without proper police uniforms.
This initiative gained traction after an officer, famously known for wearing a black cap and blue shirt, was captured on camera firing a tear gas canister at journalists at close range.
The Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, and Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, have yet to comment on the incident. Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is still investigating police misconduct during the protests.
Meanwhile, the High Court barred police from using teargas, water canons and live ammunition on anti-Finance Bill protesters.
