The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Rift Valley chapter has vowed to move to court to file a case against Nakuru County government askaris who allegedly tortured a lawyer.
Speaking to the press at the Nakuru law courts yesterday, RLSK chairman David Mongeri condemned the incident, terming it an outright infringement of human rights and totally unacceptable in the country.
“The manhandling of the lawyer while in police custody is totally unconstitutional and a show of lawlessness and reign of impunity,” said Mongeri, adding that they had already forwarded the complaint to the LSK headquarters for further action.
Mongeri, who led more than 100 lawyers in condemning the incident, said RLSK will investigate the incident to its end and ensure those involved are prosecuted.
The LSK boss also said intimidation of lawyers while carrying out their professional duties and obligations is criminal.
“The behaviour curtails their independence and prevents them from upholding internationally recognised standards of fairness and justice,” he noted.
He further revealed that RLSK was not sitting tight and that they are already following the particulars of what unfolded and had written a protest letter to Governor Kinuthia Mbugua seeking to register their displeasure over the incident.
“The rule of law must be observed all the time. If action is not taken against the perpetrators, LSK will instruct our members representing county governments countrywide to withdraw their services,” warned Mongeri.
Fred Nyagaka, a lawyer representing a hawkers’ association, in a case against Nakuru County government was on Friday morning accosted by police officers and county askaris who are said to have roughed him up, smashing his phone and spectacles.
He was held for several hours at the county headquarters courts jail before being released on a Sh10,000 personal bond.
On Monday LSK chairman Eric Mutua condemned the incident and vowed to investigate fully.