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.

This comes despite earlier court testimony in which Okapesi confidently stated he knew the suspect in question.

Appearing before Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo on Monday, September 1,2025, Corporal Okapesi was presented with photographic evidence by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which allegedly captured the prime suspect, Corporal Isaiah Murangiri Ndumba, in civilian clothes during the protests that gripped the capital last year.

But when confronted with the images, Okapesi hesitated.

“Both Isaiah Murangiri and Benson Kamau are light-skinned. I can only identify them if they are produced physically,” he told the court, suggesting the person in the photos may resemble another officer, Benson Kamau, rather than Murangiri.

The statement marked a dramatic departure from his earlier position, where he had told the court he could identify Corporal Murangiri by face.

Photos, Denials, and a Struggle to Confirm Identity

The photographs in question, submitted by IPOA, were taken on June 18 and June 20, 2024, days during which large-scale protests erupted in Nairobi over the now-shelved Finance Bill.

One of the images showed a man in a blue shirt, black cap, and blue trousers, holding a walkie-talkie—an outfit that IPOA claims matches Murangiri.

However, Okapesi refused to confirm the identity, casting further uncertainty over the prosecution’s case.

“I’m not the one in those photos. On June 18, 2024, I had taken leave to attend to my sick child,” Murangiri later told the court after being recalled for comparison.

He also denied wearing any of the clothing described or carrying a police radio that day, dismissing even the most distinct features, among them a Kenyan-themed wristband and a unique birthmark.

Wristbands, Birthmarks, and Witness Testimony

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) counsel David Mwangi zeroed in on visual identifiers.

He highlighted a birthmark beneath the left ear of the man in the photographs, an attribute that appeared to match Murangiri.

Murangiri, however, denied having such a mark, prompting Mwangi to suggest he “check in a mirror at home.”

Another crucial detail was a Kenyan flag wristband and another bearing the name “Izoo” reportedly worn by the individual in both photo sets. Yet again, Murangiri denied ownership or ever wearing them.

Virtual Testimony from Protected Witness

Key testimony came from a protected witness known as “GG,” a journalist who had captured the crucial images during the protests.

Testifying virtually on July 29, GG described the suspect in minute detail.

“On June 20, he wore a black cap, dark grey short-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, black mask, white sneakers, and carried a walkie-talkie,” she said.

“On June 18, he wore a black cap, light blue shirt, grey trousers, and black shoes. He was photographed outside the Supreme Court, where arrested protesters were being held.”

GG told the court she had provided IPOA with both still images and video clips showing the same man on both dates.

She further stated that she had developed the ability to identify plainclothes officers at protests due to frequent coverage of police operations.

Rex Masai was fatally shot on June 20, 2024, near Moi Avenue during the second week of nationwide youth-led demonstrations.

The hearing of the inquest continues

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