LSK leads nationwide protests over deaths of two advocates

The demonstrators are also demanding answers from investigators over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of advocates Edward Kariuki Muthee and Esther Wairimu Kiage, urging authorities to expedite investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

They set aside their legal tools of trade and walked out of courtrooms to the streets, raising their voices in protest over the mysterious deaths of two of their colleagues.

Led by Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, the lawyers first assembled outside the Supreme Court before marching to the National Police Service headquarters at Vigilance House, where they presented a petition to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

"We have presented our petition and our concerns regarding the deaths of our colleagues," Kanjama noted. 

The lawyers called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into Muthee and Kiage's deaths. 

They also demanded a forensic audit of Kenya Forest Service land linked to Kiage's legal work, as well as regular public briefings on the progress of the investigations.

"We have asked for justice and investigations into what has been happening at the Kenya Forest Service, where there are concerns over land grabbing," said Kanjama.

The deaths of Muthee and Kiage come barely seven months after advocate Mathew Kyalo Mbobu was fatally shot in Nairobi's Karen area, deepening concerns over the safety of legal practitioners.

Kiage disappeared on June 10 before her body was discovered nearly a month later at a farm in Juja. Her death has sparked widespread calls for accountability, particularly amid reports that her legal work involved Kenya Forest Service land matters.

Muthee's body was found in Athi River on Sunday, with authorities continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Similar demonstrations were held in Machakos and Garissa counties, where lawyers urged the government to swiftly bring those responsible to justice and strengthen security for members of the legal profession.

"We want to bring an end to the hunting season for advocates. Stop killing advocates," said advocate Edwin Nyipolo.

"If these acts were intended to silence advocates, then an attack on a lawyer is an attack on every Kenyan's right to legal representation," said Gladys Gichuki, chairperson of the LSK Machakos Chapter.

From the Milimani Law Courts to the Supreme Court and Vigilance House, lawyers declared that enough is enough, condemning the killings of their colleagues and demanding answers, justice and enhanced protection as they carry out their duty of upholding the rule of law and pursuing accountability.