Go slow on Narok violence prosecution, LSK tells State

Kenya: The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Narok branch has said the Government should not rush to prosecute a section of local leaders linked to Monday's violence.

LSK said yesterday that prosecuting the leaders may lead to more tension, and called for a thorough probe into the incident before any action is taken.

"It is too early to take any action. Unless it wants residents to conclude that it is taking sides, the Government should first launch investigations into the incident to get to the bottom of the matter," said Charles Sena, the branch chairman.

Mr Sena at the same time said they will hire lawyers to represent the families of the victims, adding it was waiting for post-mortem results and P3 reports before filing cases in court on their behalf.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has said stern legal action will be taken against MPs who led the protests against Governor Samuel Tunai's leadership.

Nkaissery had earlier banned the demonstration, warning that it may lead to violence. Narok North police chief Paul Letting and a General Service Unit officer were injured after violence broke out during the demonstration.

Misused guns

LSK said at a press conference that security personnel who allegedly misused firearms that resulted in the deaths and injuries should be investigated and action taken against them.

County Secretary Lenku Seki has refuted claims that rangers opened fire on the demonstrators leading to the deaths and injuries, saying cartridges that were collected indicated that they were fired from AK 47 and G3 rifles which are not in their armoury.

LSK said asked the Government to be an impartial arbitrator in the leadership wrangles, as selective application of the law may not solve the crisis.