In a statement released on Sunday, the LSK said it was “deeply concerned by images of Police officers lobbing teargas at congregants taking part in a church service in Othaya,” describing the incident as a grave abuse of state power.

The lawyers’ body faulted the National Police Service (NPS) for what it termed an unjustified and excessive use of force against civilians, including children.

“The indiscriminate use of violent force against church-going citizens, including children, offends every constitutional principle under which the National Police Service is bound to operate,” the statement read.

LSK said the police action amounted to a direct assault on multiple constitutional rights.

“This onslaught on the right to religion, freedom of association, human dignity, freedom and security of the person and the right of children to be protected from all forms of violence is detestable,” the Society added.

Footage circulating online showed panicked worshippers fleeing the church compound as teargas engulfed the area, disrupting the service and raising concerns about the safety of civilians in places of worship.

The Society further warned that such incidents risk eroding public trust in state institutions at a sensitive political moment.

“We condemn this incident, which betrays the Kenyan people’s collective call for an end to police brutality and indiscipline,” LSK said

“There was no ascertainable threat posed by church congregants against peace, law and order to warrant such a brazen attack.”

According to the lawyers’ body, the incident poses “a damning threat of undermining tolerance and cohesion as we approach another high-stakes electioneering period.”

LSK has now demanded accountability from the police leadership.

“We call upon the National Police Service to issue an immediate, clear explanation of the circumstances leading up to the abhorrent events in Othaya, and a full report on the actions it intends to take against the perpetrators,” the statement said.

The Society also announced it is mobilising legal support for affected members of the public.

“We will be coordinating with our advocates on the ground to understand the full extent of violations that occurred, and establish whether there are any members of the public in need of legal support following the incident,” it added.

As of publication, the National Police Service had not issued a detailed public response explaining the deployment of teargas at the church.

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