LSK Demands Justice After Deaths of Advocates Edward Muriithi Kariuki and Esther Wairimu
The deaths of two Kenyan advocates have sparked fresh concerns over the safety of legal professionals, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) demanding swift and transparent investigations into both cases.
The legal body says attacks targeting advocates pose a serious threat to the administration of justice and the rule of law, warning that failure to hold perpetrators accountable could undermine public confidence in Kenya’s justice system.
One of the advocates, Edward Muriithi Kariuki, was found dead on the morning of July 5 near Strawberry Crescent Estate in Sabaki, Athi River, a short distance from his parents’ home where he lived.
According to his family, Kariuki was a humble, hardworking advocate who largely avoided criminal cases, preferring to focus on other areas of legal practice.
His father appealed for justice, saying:
“What I’m looking for is to see that justice is done for my son.”
A postmortem examination conducted at Shalom Community Hospital Mortuary established that Kariuki died after suffering a deep cut to the back of his head, an injury that pathologists determined was fatal.
Residents of the area noted that although Sabaki has generally been considered secure, recent months have seen an increase in insecurity, prompting renewed calls for enhanced policing.
As detectives continue searching for those responsible for Kariuki’s death, another case involving Kenya Forest Service advocate Esther Wairimu remains unresolved.
A postmortem examination on Wairimu failed to establish the exact cause of death, with government pathologists indicating that the final findings will depend on toxicology analysis.
Investigators have not disclosed whether her death is connected to her professional duties and are awaiting scientific results before determining the circumstances surrounding her death.
The Law Society of Kenya says the deaths of the two advocates have raised serious questions about the safety of lawyers, particularly those handling sensitive public matters.
LSK has called for the formation of a high-level multi-agency investigative team, bringing together the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other relevant agencies to thoroughly investigate both cases.
The society also urged authorities to provide regular public updates on the progress of the investigations and enhance security for advocates serving in public institutions.
In a statement, the society warned:
“It sends a chilling message to every advocate who faithfully discharges their professional duties and raises serious concerns about the security of officers of the court and all those entrusted with defending the public interest.”
The legal body further appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“The legal profession cannot discharge its constitutional mandate where advocates are subjected to violence, intimidation, or murder with impunity.”
In response to the two deaths, the Law Society of Kenya has declared Friday, July 10, 2026, a National Day of Solidarity for the legal profession and announced a nationwide Advocates’ March for Justice to demand accountability and reinforce calls for the protection of legal practitioners.
As investigations continue, the families of both advocates remain hopeful that the truth behind the deaths will emerge, while Kenya’s legal fraternity insists that ensuring justice in the two cases is essential to safeguarding the independence and security of the legal profession.
