The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has issued a set of detailed guidelines to help Kenyans safely navigate situations involving arrests and protests.
The advisory comes as nationwide demonstrations, driven by the Gen Z movement, continue to unfold in major towns and cities.
Speaking on NTV’s Fixing the Nation show, Odhiambo shared practical tips on what to do if arrested or if a fellow protester is taken by police.
However, first, she has urged Kenyans to stay alert and informed during protests to protect themselves and others from unlawful arrests and abuse by authorities.
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Faith Odhiambo on What to Do Incase of Arrest
The LSK president said that it is important for comrades to take note of who has been arrested, where and when they were picked up, and record their full names.
Odhiambo added that having accurate details helps LSK and other legal teams locate and assist those in custody.
“That’s the only way we can check in different police stations,” she explained.
Additionally, Odhiambo encouraged protesters to record videos or go live on social media when arrests happen.
This, she said, helps provide timestamped evidence, which can be used to dispute trumped-up charges.
“If they claim someone was destroying property but the video shows the person elsewhere at that time, it’s easier to disprove the accusation,” she noted.
To avoid giving police a reason to press serious charges like robbery with violence, she advised Kenyans not to carry items that could be mistaken for weapons.
“Don’t resist arrest. Demand that the officer identify themselves, and stay calm,” she explained.
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Move in Groups During Protests
She further urged people to move in groups, especially in tense areas.
“If you’re alone, it’s easy for them to single you out and disappear with you. It becomes harder for us to trace where you’ve been taken,” said the LSK President.
Moreover, she recalled how, during the 2024 protests, some detainees were held in unusual places like Parliament and the Railways Police Station.
“We only found them because people were sending texts and alerting us,” she added.
Odhiambo stressed that videos and photos captured at the time of arrest also help to identify the arresting officers, the location, and what the arrested person was doing at the time. This makes legal documentation easier and more effective.
She concluded by reminding Kenyans to stay peaceful, protect themselves, and look out for each other. “
Just ensure you don’t forget anyone. Every name and location matters,” she said.
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