LSK helpline to report police brutality elicits mixed reactions

Police officers whipping a truck driver who failed curfew deadline at Nakuru town on march 27,2020. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Abbas Omar Haji Abbas doubted whether the toll free line will work
  • Mr Sponsor Symo accused Law Society of Kenya of double standards.

The move by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to set up a toll free telephone number to report cases of police brutality and harassment has attracted mixed reactions from Kenyans on social media.

LSK says Kenyans who have been harassed by law enforcement agencies can now reach advocates on number 0800720434.

In response, Mr Moh’dfaiz Saleh wrote: “In Kenya money speaks…stop talking, Kenyans need action,” while Tudi Dee posed: “Who will even pick the calls?

Mr Maina Kane wrote: “LSK is haven of tribalism,” while Mr Faiz Musa praised LSK and said: “Good move. This is great.”

REPORT CASES

Mr Mishieni Mishieni wanted LSK to pursue all cases reported and wrote: “After that reporting what happens next?

Another citizen going by the name Sasa Sasa faulted LSK and wrote: LSK has lost direction.

Mr Timothy Thimba doubted whether LSK will pursue the matter and wrote: “LSK how can we trust you. Stop politics.”

Mr Sponsor Symo accused LSK of double standards and wrote: “What for?  LSK will always defend police officers claiming they are conducting investigations. It’s just pure public relation exercise.”

Mr Ratemo Matayo urged the LSK to forget about police issues. “If you restrict the police on how to handle rude and unruly Kenyans, you’re lost.”

Mr Maina Mwangi faulted the LSK leadership and wrote: “I don’t know what the government did to Mr Nelson Havi the President of LSK. He seems to be so much against the government that he can find time to mourn Waluke’s sentence and fine after being found guilty of corruption.”

Mr Abbas Omar Haji Abbas doubted whether the toll free line will work: “The question is, will they pick the calls, reply to messages or even avail themselves for assistance if need be. I’m sure it’s a definite no!”

But Mr Joseph Kiminda welcomed the move by LSK and wrote: “LSK move is welcome. Police brutality is too much, very sad.”

Mr Jimmy Walker advised LSK to help the government fight the runaway corruption.

Ms Vivian Kadu urged LSK to extend the toll free number usage to citizens to report cases of corruption.

 “What about brutality against citizens when they lost public funds in the name of service fee like the one we witnessed just the other day. Which toll free number do we call to get explanation?”

Mr David Jeremiah blamed LSK for the current mess in the country and urged the lawyers to push for reforms in the police service.

 “LSK can set up several toll free numbers but they have not pushed for further police reforms including mental health assessment of police officers,” said Mr Jeremiah.

Mr Worwicks Gisemba commented: “The best thing for LSK to do is to tell their members not to represent any brutaliser in court.”