The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed deep concern over what it calls an alarming rise in cases of abductions and harassment directed at members of the legal profession.
According to the Society, this disturbing trend amounts to outright persecution and demands immediate and serious government intervention.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday and signed by LSK President Faith Odhiambo, the Society highlighted that Kenya has witnessed hundreds of abductions in the last two years. Many of these cases remain unresolved, painting a grim picture of insecurity and lack of justice.
The statement revealed that while a number of victims were fortunate enough to return home, some were later discovered dead, and several others remain unaccounted for to this day.
The LSK noted that the lack of accountability in handling such cases has emboldened perpetrators, leaving grieving families without answers. The Society stressed that this situation undermines public trust in the justice system and emboldens lawlessness.
Faith Odhiambo emphasized that these incidents are not just isolated crimes but direct violations of non-derogable rights enshrined in Article 29 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to personal security and freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention. “We strongly condemn all acts of reprisal and intimidation against Advocates of the High Court of Kenya as they carry out their professional duties.
The disappearance of lawyers, which has often ended with them being found dead, must be treated as a matter of serious national importance,” the LSK statement declared.
Despite these dangers, the Society affirmed that it has not abandoned its duty to defend the rule of law. It continues to support victims and their families by filing habeas corpus petitions in court, working to trace missing individuals, and pushing for reparations.
The Society also praised the bravery of advocates who have offered their time and expertise, often at personal risk, to uphold justice and protect fundamental freedoms.
However, the LSK acknowledged that the cost of this commitment has been heavy. Many lawyers have endured constant threats to their lives and liberty, while others have been forced to live in fear. According to the Society, such persecution of advocates is unjustifiable, dangerous to democracy, and weakens the entire justice system.
The statement further recalled previous tragic cases involving lawyers who were abducted and killed, such as the well-known cases of Oscar Kingara and Willie Kimani.
It also revisited the unresolved case of Advocate Njau Kiyai, who was abducted in February 2021. His disappearance remains a painful reminder for his family and a reflection of Kenya’s failure to bring justice to victims of such crimes.
In response to these challenges, the LSK announced that it is putting together a comprehensive database of unresolved cases of persecution against advocates, focusing on abductions and kidnappings.
This information, once compiled, will be formally presented to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with the expectation that it will trigger renewed investigations.
The Society also issued fresh demands to the government and investigative agencies. It called for all cold cases to be reopened, for pending investigations to be pursued with urgency, and for cases already in court to be fast-tracked to ensure justice is delivered without further delays.
Additionally, the LSK appealed to families, fellow lawyers, and clients of the victims to work closely with the Society in documenting and exposing these injustices.
According to the Society, collective action will put pressure on authorities to finally address what has become a crisis threatening both the legal profession and the rule of law in Kenya.
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