LSK will sue the Inspector General of Police and individual officers liable for the and the injuries of others in Monday's demonstrations.
“It is our position that members of the National Police Service have exhibited extreme unprofessional and brutal tactics while dealing with peaceful demonstrations which end up curtailing citizens rights,” the society's West Kenya Branch said on Thursday.
At the press conference, LSK branch officials also said it will offer pro-bono services to the relatives of the deceased in Kisumu and Siaya, as well as other victims suing for compensation.
Led by branch chairman Francis Olel, the officials called on those affected during the demonstrations to visit their offices at Alpha House in Kisumu.
They also called for a halt in the use of excessive force by police, noting that it suppressed legitimate demonstrations.
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“It is extremely immoral to injure, maim and even kill or shoot innocent persons going about their businesses.”
The lawyers noted that Fredrick Otieno who was shot dead next to Tivoli Centre in Kisumu, and Jael Anyango, a fish monger nursing head injuries after being hit by “an overzealous police man” at the Kisumu fish market, were all innocent persons going about their normal businesses.
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Olel noted that every Kenyan has a right to picket, demonstrate and present petition to public authorities under Article 37 of the constitution.
“They also have a right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law including full and equal enjoyment of all rights and fundamental freedoms under Article 27.”
He added: “Right to inherent dignity and right to have that dignity respected and protected under Article 28 must be observed."
The chairman also said that protesters had the "right to freedom and security of persons including right not to be subjected to torture in any manner whether physical or psychological" according to Article 29.
Olel was flanked by lawyers Sam Onyango and Dorothy Omboto, among other advocates.
The officials said they will provide the services “in line with LSK mandate under section 4 (d) of the LSK Act NO. 21 of 2014 to protect and assist the members of the public in Kenya in matters relating to ancillary or incidental to law".
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