Advocates in Machakos on Thursday joined their counterparts across the country in demonstrations and mourning to honor lawyers Esther Wairimu and Edward Muthee, whose mysterious deaths have sparked concern within the legal fraternity. 
By Fredrick Kioko,
Advocates in Machakos on Thursday joined their counterparts across the country in demonstrations and mourning to honor lawyers Esther Wairimu and Edward Muthee, whose mysterious deaths have sparked concern within the legal fraternity.
Led by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Machakos Chapter Chairperson Gladys Gichuki, the lawyers said they had gathered not only to mourn their fallen colleagues but also to reaffirm their commitment to justice, the rule of law and the protection of constitutional rights.
Speaking during the gathering, Gichuki described the deaths of the two advocates as deeply disturbing, saying the circumstances surrounding the killings raise serious questions that require urgent and credible answers from investigative agencies.
She warned that if the killings were intended to intimidate, silence or instill fear among advocates carrying out their professional duties, they would amount to a direct attack on the administration of justice and the rule of law.
"An attack on a lawyer is an attack on every Kenyan's right to legal representation, a fair hearing and access to justice. Advocates must be able to discharge their professional duties without fear, threats, harassment or violence," she said.
The LSK Machakos Chapter called on investigative agencies to conduct prompt, independent, transparent and thorough investigations into the deaths, bring those responsible to justice and keep the public regularly informed on the progress of the investigations.
The lawyers also reiterated their solidarity with the families of the deceased advocates and pledged to continue pushing for justice, accountability and the protection of legal practitioners across the country.
