LSK announces death of advocate Tom Ouya Imbukwa after brutal assault
By Cynthia Lodite, April 23, 2026The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced the death of an advocate who succumbed to injuries sustained during a reported brutal assault.
In a press release on Thursday, April 23, 2026, LSK expressed its profound grief and identified the Advocate as Tom Ouya Imbukwa.
“This incident marks a dark moment for the legal profession and the nation at large. The Society conveys its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Imbukwa’s family, friends, and colleagues during this period of immense loss,” LSK explained
According to the LSK reports, indicate that Counsel Imbukwa was found at Harambee SACCO Estate after having been assaulted, and was initially found alive but in critical condition.
He was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he later passed away.
The LSK President has stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident raise serious concerns that require urgent investigation.
Events that led to his death
Further adding that it is alleged that, for approximately two weeks before the incident, Counsel had been living in fear after receiving threats from a police officer, which reportedly caused him to avoid his place of work and court premises.
“It is further alleged that, before his condition deteriorated, Counsel stated that he had been assaulted by police officers and other individuals. These accounts remain subject to verification through investigations,” LSK stated.
Meanwhile, preliminary observations indicate that Counsel sustained severe injuries reportedly consistent with torture, including allegations of the gouging of his left eye.
On the LSK part, while he was found to have visibly bled from the injuries sustained, officers at the Savannah Police Post indicated that there was no blood at the scene where he was found.
“This discrepancy raises concerns as to whether the assault occurred elsewhere and whether there may have been an attempt to conceal or misrepresent critical facts, highlighting the urgent need for thorough, transparent, and independent investigations,” LSK explained.
LSK recalls a similar incident
On the other hand, the Society has noted the incident with great concern, particularly against the broader context of rising insecurity affecting members of the Bar. The
LSK, while expressing its concerns on the security of the members of the bar, has noted the recent killing of Kyalo Mbobu, for which the Society noted that accountability remains outstanding.
According to LSK, taken together, both incidents present an alarming picture regarding the safety of Advocates and the environment within which they are expected to discharge their professional and constitutional duties.
Against this backdrop, LSK has noted that the legal profession is increasingly alarmed by the growing vulnerability of Advocates to violence, intimidation, and retaliation arising from the work that they do.