Lawyers announce nationwide march after deaths of two advocates in one week
The announcement follows the deaths of Advocate Edward Muthee Kariuki, who was found murdered outside his residence in Athi River on July 5, 2026, and.
LSK President Charles Kanjama, flanked by other advocates, during a media briefing on July 8, 2026. (Photo: LSK/X)
Lawyers have announced a nationwide march for justice following the deaths of two advocates within one week, saying the incidents pose a serious threat to the legal profession, administration of justice and the rule of law.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama said the legal fraternity will hold the march on Friday, July 10, 2026, to honour the deceased advocates and demand urgent action from State agencies.
The announcement follows the deaths of Advocate Edward Muthee Kariuki, who was found murdered outside his residence in Athi River on July 5, 2026, and Advocate Esther Wairimu Keige, whose death was confirmed on Tuesday after weeks of searching for her.
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Kanjama said the deaths of the two advocates within a short period cannot be treated as isolated incidents, warning that they send a worrying message to lawyers carrying out their professional duties.
“These deaths amount to an attack on the legal profession, the administration of justice and the rule of law. It sends a chilling message to every Advocate who faithfully discharges their professional duties and raises serious concerns about the security of officers of the court and all those entrusted with defending public interest,” he said.
The Society condemned the deaths and called on the State to protect lives, uphold the rule of law and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The LSK condemns these heinous acts in the strongest possible terms. We call upon the State to discharge its constitutional obligation to protect life, uphold the rule of law and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay,” LSK said.
Kanjama said LSK will continue working with relevant agencies through its Lawyer-Police Liaison Committee to follow up on the investigations and ensure justice is achieved.
“We shall remain actively seized of these matters and will pursue every lawful institutional, legal and advocacy mechanism available until justice is achieved,” he said.
The lawyers’ body has also demanded the immediate formation of a high-level multi-agency team involving the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other relevant agencies to investigate the deaths, identify the causes and establish those behind the crimes.
The Society also wants a forensic audit of all contested land acquisition, leasing and alienation matters handled by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Department over the past 12 months to determine whether Keige’s death was linked to her official duties.
Additionally, LSK said the audit should identify any persons or organisations that may have benefited from the matters handled by the department.
It has further demanded immediate security measures and institutional protection for advocates serving in public institutions and regulatory bodies whose work exposes them to threats from criminal syndicates, corrupt networks and other unlawful actors.
LSK is also seeking the creation of a transparent mechanism where the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and other State agencies provide regular updates on investigations, arrests, prosecutions and enforcement actions arising from the deaths.
“The Society further calls upon all investigating agencies to conduct thorough, expeditious, professional and impartial investigations. We equally urge any person with information that may assist the investigations to cooperate fully with the authorities,” it said.
The Society said the legal profession cannot effectively perform its constitutional role when advocates are subjected to violence, intimidation or murder.
“An attack on an Advocate is an attack on the administration of justice itself,” they said.
The nationwide march will begin with advocates assembling at the Milimani Law Courts Parking from 9:00 a.m., with the procession starting at 9:30 a.m.
Participants have been asked to attend while formally dressed and wear a purple ribbon as a symbol of remembrance and unity.
LSK said similar marches will be held across all its regional branches under the coordination of branch leadership.
The procession will proceed from Milimani Law Courts to the National Police Service Headquarters, where the Society will present a petition to the Inspector General of Police demanding urgent action on the safety of advocates and faster investigations into the deaths.
“All participants are directed to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and dignity throughout the procession. The march shall remain peaceful, orderly and firmly anchored on the Constitution and the rule of law,” Kanjama said.
The Society has invited advocates, judicial officers, law students, civil society groups, professional associations and constitutional commissions to join the march in support of justice and the rule of law.