LSK defends Nairobi Central OCS Dishen Ongoya after his arrest over the release of 64 fuel protest detainees, warning against undermining constitutional policing.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 19 — The Law Society of Kenya has defended Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Chief Inspector Dishen Ongoya over his decision to release dozens of suspects arrested during Monday’s nationwide fuel protests, warning that punitive action against the officer could undermine constitutional policing.

LSK President Charles Kanjama said the society was closely monitoring reports of Ongoya’s arrest over the controversial release of 64 detainees held following the demonstrations.

“The Law Society of Kenya has received and is acting on reports that Nairobi Central OCS, Chief Inspector Dishen Ongoya, was arrested last night following his decision to consider charges and release 64 persons arrested during yesterday’s national stay-away,” Kanjama said in a statement Tuesday.

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Kanjama argued that an Officer Commanding Station has lawful authority to determine whether suspects should be detained or released, provided the decision is made within the framework of the Constitution and criminal procedure laws.

“An OCS is constitutionally and legally entitled to exercise discretion in the processing and release of arrested persons, subject to the law and the rights guaranteed under Article 49 of the Constitution,” he stated.

“Punitive action arising from the lawful exercise of such discretion risks sending a chilling message to police officers tasked with upholding constitutional safeguards within the criminal justice process.”

He added that LSK advocates were also representing several protesters arraigned in courts across the country over demonstrations linked to rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of living.

The remarks came hours after reports emerged that Chief Inspector Ongoya had been arrested over allegations that he unlawfully authorised the release of suspects detained during the anti-government demonstrations.

According to a police report, the officer was arrested Tuesday by the Deputy Regional Police Commander for alleged abuse of office.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya