LSK meets Kanja to seek action against officers intimidating lawyers while on duty
Council sought IG's intervention towards ensuring non-interference, enforcing disciplinary action against officers who undermine, interfere with or violate the work and rights of advocates
The Council of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), led by its chairperson Faith Odhiambo, has held a meeting Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, over rising cases of harassment and intimidation of advocates in their line of duty.
During the meeting, LSK presented a memorandum highlighting instances where advocates have been unfairly victimised by police officers for representing their clients, including threats, obstruction, and, in extreme instances, acts of aggression.
“We sought the IG’s intervention towards ensuring non-interference, enforcing disciplinary action against officers who undermine, interfere with or violate the work and rights of advocates, and incorporation of legal and ethical standardsin police training. We offered to support the service through enriching their training and sensitisation needs by providing expertise on legal standards that must be upheld, and spearheading stalled pro-community projects such as the establishment of gender desks within police stations,” Odhiambo said on her X account.
“We are hopeful that this engagement will secure the legal practice space and prevent infractions against our members in their service to the public.”
On its part, the National Police Service (LSK) on its X account, said Kanja acknowledged the importance of the issues raised and emphasised that many could be addressed through closer cooperation between the two institutions.
“He invited the LSK to deliver lectures at the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) in Ngong, aiming to foster greater awareness and mutual understanding. The Inspector-General further assured the Society of the NPS’s readiness to collaborate in efforts to enhance national security and justice. He encouraged LSK members to raise concerns freely and engage constructively with the Service,” it added.
NPS noted that given the vital roles played by both the service and the LSK in the administration of justice, it sought constructive engagement with the Office of the Inspector-General to promote mutual accountability, professional respect, and effective collaboration.
Others in the LSK delegation were Vice-President Mwaura Kabata, CEO Florence W. Muturi and Council Members Irene Otto, Gloria Kimani, Hosea Manwa, Vincent Githaiga, and Stephen Mbugua.
Kanja was accompanied by Deputy Inspector-General (Kenya Police Service) Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector-General (Administration Police Service) Gilbert Masengeli, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed I. Amin, Principal Assistant to the Inspector-General Mathew Kutoh, Director of Legal Amos Omuga, Director of Administration, Planning and Finance Richard Lesasuiyan, Director of Corporate Communication/NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, and Personal Assistant to the Inspector-General James Murithi.
