Kenyan lawyers protest in Nairobi, demand justice for slain colleagues

Nairobi, Kenya – Lawyers donned purple ribbons and marched through the capital on Friday, demanding justice for two colleagues whose recent deaths have sent shockwaves through the legal community. The protest, organized by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), highlighted what the organization calls "growing threats against the legal profession."

Chanting slogans like "Protect our lawyers" and "End the silence, end the violence," demonstrators gathered outside the Milimani Law Courts before heading toward the National Police Service headquarters. LSK President Charles Kanjama and former Justice Minister Martha Karua were among those participating, declaring July 10 a day of national solidarity for lawyers.

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These deaths amount to an attack on the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the rule of law.

The LSK has called for an immediate multi-institutional investigation into the deaths of Esther Wairimu Keige and Edward Muthee Kariuki, which occurred within a single week under mysterious circumstances. "These deaths amount to an attack on the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the rule of law," Kanjama stated, emphasizing that the incidents are not isolated.

Keige, 54, a legal services head at the Kenya Forest Service, disappeared on June 10 and her body was found on July 6 in an isolated coffee plantation. An autopsy could not determine the cause of death due to decomposition. Kariuki, 33, was found dead on July 5 outside his residence, having suffered a fatal head wound. The LSK vowed to use all available legal and institutional mechanisms to ensure justice is served.

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Protect our lawyers