Martha Karua, PLP leader, has called on Kenyans to actively defend their rights as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) launched its Legal Awareness Week 2025.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Karua emphasised the need for an empowered citizenry amid persistent injustices. “I graced the launch of the Law Society of Kenya’s Legal Awareness Week 2025 as Chief Guest. I commend President @FaithOdhiambo8, her council, and the entire @LawSocietyofKe fraternity for advancing access to justice for all,” she stated during the formal gathering under LSK banners.

Over 18,000 lawyers to offer free consultations

The week-long initiative, running from October 27 to 31, 2025, will see over 18,000 Kenyan lawyers offering free legal consultations nationwide. Karua highlighted systemic barriers to justice, noting, “Too many injustices persist not for lack of laws, but more so for the lack of awareness, representation, and at times, the courage to uphold the law as it is.”

Her remarks reflect ongoing challenges documented in LSK’s annual reports, where public unawareness and institutional hesitancy often hinder legal recourse. Karua further stressed the importance of institutional integrity, adding, “True justice demands an empowered citizenry, courageous institutions, and an independent judiciary that serves without fear or favour.”

The event, attended by legal professionals and marked by formal proceedings, underscores the bar’s commitment to addressing these issues, resonating with debates on judicial independence that fueled 2024-2025 protests against perceived government interference.

Local advocacy, regional human rights concerns

This call to action comes amid heightened regional concerns over human rights, particularly following the abduction of two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, in Kampala, Uganda, on October 1, 2025. The duo, affiliated with the Free Kenya Movement, was seized by armed operatives at a petrol station in Kireka while supporting opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine.

Their whereabouts remain unknown, sparking outrage from regional leaders and human rights defenders. On October 10, 2025, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, condemned the incident, stating, “Very disturbed by the reported continued disappearance of Kenyan HRDs Bob Njagi & Nicholas Oyoo in Uganda.

The two defenders were allegedly abducted by unidentified armed men in Kampala on October 1, 2025. Ugandan authorities must investigate & secure the safe release of Bob and Nicholas.” The Kenyan High Commission in Uganda has since engaged with Ugandan authorities, releasing a statement on October 3, 2025, requesting assistance to locate the missing activists and ensure their safe return.