LSK wants IG Mutyambai to establish taskforce to probe enforced disappearances
The Law Society of Kenya wants the Inspector Genral of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, to form a taskforce to specifically investigate enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
In a petition, LSK chairperson Eric Theuri has also asked the IG to notify all police officers that advocates cannot and should not be victimized and/or associated with their client or the allegations made against the client.
“Advocates have a duty to take up all forms of cases and represent their clients without any fear, threats or intimidation,” Theuri said.
LSK further wants a probe into the abduction of Lawyer Prof. Hassan Nandwa and the mysterious disappearance of his client Elgiva Bwire, expedited and a report filed with the Court.
They want the National Assembly to ask Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to provide a report on the recent abduction of Nandwa.
They also appealed to the Speaker of the National Assembly to intervene and ensure the report is issued.
The lawyers also want the IG to also affirm the right of every Kenyan to be represented by an Advocate of their choice and to commit to providing a conducive environment for Advocates, to offer their services free from intimidation, harassment or threat of harm.
In the petition, they also want the Attorney General to ensure the protection of the welfare of advocates.
“We similarly demand that your office advises the government and Security agencies, to abandon the policy of abduction and enforced disappearance of its citizens and instead, enhance its investigative capacity and reliance on the rule of law,” they said.
They also want the AG to initiate immediate steps for Kenya to adopt and ratify, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
They also want a report on the pending case of Advocate Benson Njau Kayai, as well as citizens who have faced similar cases.
“We further invite the National Assembly to take all the necessary steps to have Kenya ratify and adopt the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance,” he said.
Nandwa who mysteriously went missing last week was yesterday found abandoned in Mwingi, Kitui County, from where he dragged himself to seek assistance.
Family members and officials said Nandwa was found alive but shaken at around 1am.
However, his client, convicted terror suspect Elgiva Bwire is still missing.
Police have launched a manhunt for Bwire, an ex-terror convict who went missing on October 28 after his release from Kamiti Maximum Prison.
