Speaking outside the Milimani Law Courts on June 13, 2025, the fraternity, led by its president Samuel Mark, accused police officers of violating constitutional rights by assaulting immediate former president Joshua Okayo during a peaceful protest.
Students condemn alleged assault
Samuel Mark said police brutally assaulted Okayo while he exercised his constitutional right to picket and demonstrate peacefully.
According to the fraternity, the assault left Okayo hospitalized.
The students expressed solidarity with Okayo and his family. They also insisted that the State must stop using excessive force against peaceful protesters.
Furthermore, they said they would not be intimidated or silenced.
Fraternity demands justice
Mark described the incident as a serious violation of constitutional rights.
He claimed that a police officer who had previously threatened Okayo carried out the assault.
Consequently, the fraternity urged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track investigations into the incident.
Mark also noted that Okayo remains a member of the Kenya School of Law while undertaking his pupillage.
Calls for accountability over Albert Ojwang’s death
The fraternity also mourned the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
Mark said the incident reflects a broader concern over deaths occurring in police detention.
Additionally, the students called on IPOA to expedite investigations into the case.
They also urged the government to fully implement the National Coroners Service Act, which provides a legal framework for investigating deaths in custody.
Students defend freedom of expression
The Kenya School of Law fraternity reaffirmed its support for freedom of expression.
Mark argued that public officials should accept criticism as part of democratic governance.
He cited a 2016 ruling by Justice Evans Muita, which affirmed that criticism of public officials is protected under the Constitution.
Finally, he urged the government to respect constitutional rights and stop criminalizing lawful criticism of state officials.
