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.

The post LSK Slams Police for ‘Detestable’ Use of Force After Teargas Fired Inside Othaya Church appeared first on Insider Bits News.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the DCI said investigations into the death of the former legislator, who died on the night of December 13, 2025, along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway at Karai area, had not revealed any criminal intent.

“Based on the evidence gathered and analysed to date, the incident appears to be a road traffic accident, with no indications of foul play,” the DCI said.

The agency said it launched “thorough investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy” immediately after the incident and deployed a multi-disciplinary team comprising homicide detectives, crime intelligence experts and forensic specialists from the National Forensic Laboratory.

According to the DCI, investigators processed the scene, secured and preserved exhibits, documented physical evidence and recovered CCTV footage from Eagol Petrol Station for forensic review.

“Additionally, the bus manifest and amateur videos from the scene were obtained and subjected to forensic analysis,” the statement said.

Detectives also recorded statements from several key witnesses, including the deceased’s widow Mrs Ann Lanoi Pertet, who was the first family member contacted after the incident.

Statements were also taken from the driver of the bus involved, Mr Tiras Kamau Githinji, the bus conductor, Mr Manoah Ekokwa Alukoya Olasi, and staff at Eagol Petrol Station.

The DCI further disclosed that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, businessman Malala, and Mr Ibrahim Sambuli voluntarily recorded statements after confirming they had interacted with the deceased at Karen Oasis Restaurant on the evening of December 12, 2025.

Seven passengers from the bus also presented themselves to assist with investigations, while detectives recorded a statement from Julius Kiprotich Chelule, the driver of the alleged rescue bus, registration number KCU 573A.

Upon completion of the remaining investigative processes, the DCI said the file would be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

“The investigation file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for appropriate directions, including potential criminal charges against the PSV driver, in line with the available evidence,” the investigative agency said.

The DCI conveyed condolences to the family and urged the public and political leaders to avoid speculation.

“We urge the public and political leaders to exercise restraint and refrain from making speculative or unsubstantiated statements that could prejudice the investigative process or cause undue public anxiety,” the statement read in part.

The agency reiterated its commitment to impartial investigations, stating it “remains resolute in conducting impartial, thorough and expedient investigations in accordance with the law.”

The statement was signed by J.K. Marete, HSC, for the Director of Criminal Investigations, and dated January 5, 2026.

The post DCI Rules Out Foul Play in Death of Former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Confirming the incident, Samburu Central Police Division Commander John Mwai said the suspects were nabbed following a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the National Police Service (NPS).

“Our officers received intelligence that the suspects were in possession of the tusks and were planning to sell them to potential buyers,” said Mwai.

“We laid an ambush and managed to arrest them before the transaction could take place.”

The two suspects were apprehended on Monday evening at Maralal town, where they were allegedly seeking buyers for the illegal wildlife trophies.

According to police reports, the tusks were concealed in a gunny bag and transported using a motorcycle.

“Upon searching the suspects, we recovered seven pieces of elephant tusks weighing 11 kilograms,” Mwai said.

“They could not account for their possession, and investigations are ongoing to establish the source and their intended market.”

He said the suspects are being held at the Maralal Police Station and will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.

The recovery marks another success in ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb wildlife trafficking in northern Kenya, a region that has long been a hotspot for elephant poaching due to its vast, rugged terrain and proximity to major smuggling routes.

Mwai commended officers for their swift response and warned those involved in the illegal trade that they would be dealt with firmly under Kenya’s wildlife protection laws.

“We are intensifying surveillance and patrols within Samburu and neighbouring counties. Anyone found engaging in wildlife poaching or trafficking will face the full force of the law,” he said.

The Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013) prescribes stiff penalties for wildlife-related crimes, including life imprisonment or fines of not less than Sh20 million for those convicted of dealing in elephant ivory.

KWS officials who took part in the operation said the recovery was made possible through close collaboration between the police, community informants, and conservation partners.

“The public has been instrumental in providing actionable intelligence,” said one KWS officer, who requested anonymity.

“We encourage continued cooperation because wildlife crime is not just a conservation issue but also a national security concern.”

Kenya has made significant strides in combating poaching in recent years, with authorities crediting enhanced law enforcement, stiffer penalties, and community awareness campaigns for a reduction in elephant killings.

However, illegal trafficking remains a challenge, especially in regions bordering national reserves such as Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs, where elephants frequently roam outside protected zones.

Mwai urged local residents to continue supporting anti-poaching efforts by sharing information with law enforcement agencies.

“We are appealing to members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to wildlife products,” he said. “Protecting our wildlife is a collective responsibility.”

The recovered tusks have been handed over to the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters for safekeeping and further forensic analysis to determine the age and origin of the elephants involved.

The post Police Arrest Two in Samburu, Recover Elephant Tusks Worth Sh1.1 Million appeared first on Insider Bits News.