The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised an alarm over what it describes as a growing wave of abductions and harassment targeting members of the legal profession.
According to the Society, the trend amounted to persecution and called for urgent investigations.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its President, Faith Odhiambo, LSK noted that the country had witnessed hundreds of abductions in the past two years, many of which remain unresolved.
It pointed out that while some victims returned home, others were found dead, and several remain missing.
LSK pushes for urgent inquiry into abductions of lawyers, engages DCI. Photo: Courtesy.
LSK went on to warn that the lack of accountability in such cases had left families without answers and emboldened those behind the crimes.
The Society stressed that the incidents amounted to violations of non-derogable rights under the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to security and freedom from arbitrary detention.
Despite the dangers, LSK noted that it had continued to support victims and their families, including filing petitions for habeas corpus, tracing missing persons, and pursuing reparations.
The Society noted that the cost had been high. Many advocates faced threats to their lives and liberty while carrying out their duties.
It said the persecution of lawyers was unjustifiable. It added that such actions undermine the justice system.
In its statement, LSK recalled cases where lawyers were abducted and killed. These included the cases of Oscar Kingara and Willie Kimani.
The Society also highlighted the unresolved case of Advocate Njau Kiyai. He was abducted in February 2021. The case has gone cold, leaving the family without answers. LSK said this reflects a wider failure to deliver justice.
To address the matter, LSK announced a new initiative. It is compiling a database of all unresolved cases involving persecution of advocates.
These include abductions and kidnappings. The information will be submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for further action.
The Society demanded that pending and cold cases be reopened and investigated, while those already in court be fast-tracked to a conclusion.
