The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised alarm over a growing wave of abductions targeting advocates, demanding urgent investigations and accountability from state agencies. In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its President, Faith Odhiambo, the Society noted that Kenya had witnessed hundreds of abductions in the past two years, many of which remain unresolved.
According to LSK, while some victims have resurfaced, others have tragically been found dead, and several remain missing. The Society warned that the failure to resolve these cases has emboldened perpetrators while leaving families in anguish. “The disappearance of advocates, which has historically ended in their being found dead, should be treated as a matter of grave national concern,” read the statement.
Citing Article 29 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to security and freedom from arbitrary detention, LSK said the abductions amounted to violations of non-derogable rights. It strongly condemned reprisals and victimisation of advocates for discharging their duties faithfully.
The Society highlighted that despite the risks, it had continued to support victims and their families through filing habeas corpus petitions, tracing missing persons, and pursuing reparations. However, it lamented that the price has been steep, with many advocates facing threats to their lives and liberty.
LSK recalled past high-profile cases, including the killings of advocates Oscar Kingara and Willie Kimani, as well as the unresolved abduction of Advocate Njau Kiyai in February 2021. It said these cases symbolised a broader failure of the justice system to protect lawyers and deliver justice.
To address the crisis, the Society announced it was compiling a comprehensive database of all unresolved cases of persecution against advocates, with a particular focus on abductions and kidnappings. This information will be submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for urgent follow-up.
The Society demanded that pending and cold cases be reopened, while those already in court should be fast-tracked to conclusion. It also appealed to families, colleagues, and clients of affected advocates to support its efforts in defending the rule of law.
