Machakos advocates demand justice for slain colleagues during peaceful demonstrations

Advocates based in Machakos County have joined their colleagues across the country in demonstrations to mourn lawyers who have died under mysterious circumstances.

Led by their chairperson, Gladys Gichuki, the advocates said they had gathered in grief, solidarity and a shared commitment to justice, not only as lawyers but also as Kenyan citizens.

Gichuki said they were mourning the mysterious deaths of advocates Esther Wairimu and Edward Muthee, whose lives were cut short under circumstances that raise serious questions and demand answers.

She underscored that although investigations are ongoing, the circumstances surrounding the killings have raised deep concern within the legal profession and among the public.

"If these acts were intended to silence, intimidate or instil fear in advocates carrying out their constitutional duty, then they constitute a direct attack on the rule of law and the administration of justice," she said.

"An attack on a lawyer is an attack on every Kenyan's right to legal representation, a fair hearing and access to justice. Advocates should be able to discharge their professional duties without fear, threats, harassment or violence," she added.

Gichuki further said the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Machakos Chapter was calling on investigative agencies to conduct prompt, independent, transparent and credible investigations into the deaths, bring those responsible to justice and keep the Kenyan public informed of the progress of the investigations.