By Dories Kwamboka
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) have condemned the government’s use of anti-terrorism laws to prosecute peaceful demonstrators.
The two entities said the move was a dangerous erosion of civil liberties.
The criticism comes amid ongoing nationwide protests led by youth and civil society groups demanding political accountability, economic reforms, and justice for victims of police brutality.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo described the charges as a “dangerous misuse of the legal system,” warning that equating peaceful protest with terrorism undermines constitutional freedoms.
 “It is unacceptable for the government to equate peaceful protest with terrorism. Protesters should not be charged with terrorism,” she said.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa echoed the concerns, accusing the state of weaponizing the criminal justice system to silence dissent.
“The youth are simply raising legitimate concerns about governance, corruption, and the cost of living,” he said.
“The government should stop using terror charges to prosecute protesters.”
Both leaders called for the immediate withdrawal of all charges brought under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and demanded an independent investigation into police conduct during recent demonstrations, which have reportedly resulted in multiple deaths, injuries, and abductions.
Human rights organizations have also raised alarm over rising cases of unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, and the targeting of journalists and activists.
Public outrage intensified following the charging of activist Boniface Mwangi with illegal possession of ammunition, a move widely seen as an attempt to silence government critics.
“We will not allow our democracy to be eroded under the guise of national security,” Odhiambo said.