The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police requesting better protection of advocates, transparency in police investigations of police killings of lawyers, and improved cooperation between law enforcement agencies and lawyers.

Speaking while presenting the petition to the Office of the Inspector General of Police on Friday, July 10, 2026, the LSK president, Charles Kanjama, expressed its deep concern about the growing trend of threats, intimidation and violence against the advocates in the country.

“So, we are here to express concern about the threats to the independence of every advocate who is an officer of the court, who is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, and who is meant to defend the rule of law, even in the various spaces they are in,” Kanjama said.

The LSK chair further noted that the fears go beyond the recent killings of advocates Edward Muthee Kariuki and Esther Wairimu Keige. Lawyers in both the public and private sectors, as well as private practitioners, have been increasingly targeted and subjected to security threats when doing their work.

He stated that the attacks on advocates are dangerous to the independence of the legal profession and could affect public trust in the administration of justice.

Apart from what happened to Esther and Edward, who unfortunately have already lost their lives in the past week, we have witnessed several incidents where lawyers have been subjected to threats, intimidation and violence. This comprises lawyers in public service, lawyers in the private sector, and external legal practitioners,” Kanjama added.

 LSK demands investigations

Kanjama noted that the petition calls for the establishment of a high-level multi-agency investigative team comprising the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other relevant agencies to investigate the deaths of Edward Muthee Kariuki and Esther Wairimu Keige.

Kanjama said that investigations are already underway, but it would be good to receive regular updates on the progress being made so that transparency and accountability can be ensured.

The society also requested information on the investigations into the murder of advocate Charles Mbon, as they have not yet seen any prosecution and have received little information from the legal fraternity, even though Mbon was killed months ago.

Protection for advocates

LSK also requested the National Police Service to formalise a liaison system to make the security of advocates more effective, especially in public institutions, and noted that they might be subjected to threats because of their work.

The society says the plan would allow attorneys to inform the police of security issues quickly and obtain security protection if required, while also coordinating with the police to report issues.

The petition further seeks the establishment of a clear communication platform where the DCI, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and other relevant agencies can brief LSK on the progress of investigations that include advocates on a regular basis.

Kanjama noted that the legal profession is seldom kept abreast of the developments following public protests, which usually take the form of assurances of investigations.

The LSK President also asked for investigations into suggestions of threats against the advocate Esther Wairimu Keige for her work at the Kenya Forest Service, which included attempts to grab public land in forest zones.

The LSK boss reiterated that the society has the willingness to work with the Inspector General and other government officials to enhance the safety of advocates and the rule of law.

Purple ribbon walk

Members of Kenya’s legal fraternity on Friday gathered at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi ahead of the Purple Ribbon Walk, a peaceful procession organised to protest the continued attacks on advocates and demand justice for slain lawyers Edward Kariuki Muthee and Esther Wairimu Keige.

The walk has brought together senior counsel, advocates, and members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who are calling for enhanced protection of legal practitioners and accountability for those responsible for the killings.

Among those present were LSK President Charles Kanjama, SC, Senior Counsel Philip Murgor, Martha Karua, SC, and LSK Nairobi Branch Chair Eric Kivuva. They were joined by dozens of advocates standing in solidarity as preparations for the march got underway.

The Purple Ribbon Walk is expected to serve as a show of unity within the legal profession while drawing attention to what lawyers describe as a growing pattern of threats, intimidation, and violence targeting members of the bar.