Mourners vow to fight against police brutality

Lawyer Willie Kimani’s widow Hannah (right) and a nephew Chris Mburu during the requiem mass at Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi, yesterday. [Photo/Elvis Ogina/Standard]

A sombre mood engulfed Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi, yesterday, during the joint memorial service for slain lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri.

Mourners asked the government to ensure those behind the brutal killing of the three in Mavoko/Siyokimau last week face the law.

Clad in purple ribbons, mourners vowed to champion justice for all irrespective of the social standings to expose police misconduct, a job that the lawyer passionately did. Speakers said the killings of the trio has given rise to a movement against police brutality.

International Justice Mission (IJM) Chief Executive Officer Gary Haugen, where Kimani was a lead investigator, said the three were dedicated to their call. “The love with which the three did their work is remarkable. The world mourns and strongly condemns the killings even as we all share their greatness today. They struggled for the dignity and justice for everyone and will are deeply pained by their murders,” said Mr Haugen.

He disclosed that they have pooled resources to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“These people did not die in vain. Willie stood bravely with victims of human rights violence to get protected. Willie worked closely with the government and civil societies. His resilience demonstrated hope for justice and gave his life for it.”

The CEO regretted that the lawyer left behind a young family but acknowledged that his selflessness at work, led him to an early grave. He recognised Muiruri and Mwenda for their courage to expose the ‘rogue’ officers.

“At IJM, we considered Muiruri as part of the family, while Mwenda was our client. What has happened clearly show that our work is dangerous but the trio did it with courage,” he said.

On Mwenda, Haugen said that despite being orphaned at an early age, he fought injustice by the police after he was charged for a crime he didn’t commit.

“He knew that the way he was being treated was wrong and wanted the officers involved brought to book. He wanted this to serve an example and none to be treated the same again. Mwenda stood up to abusive police not to hurt anyone,” he said.

He revealed that the slain boda boda operator had gone through a lot but remained hopeful in life.

“Enough is enough. We must ensure proper use of police powers. This is a struggle in every country in the globe. Murders happen around the world and our resolve will ensure arrogant, violent and abuse of power will crumble and fall,” said the CEO.

Law Society of Kenya Chairman Isaac Okero said the defence of human rights was Kimani’s chosen calling and he provided legal services as an investigator and advocate to the vulnerable.

“He felt at home in this area of practice. He spent the entire days of his short career as a lawyer fighting against injustice of people, vested with lawful authority to protect and provide safety and abusing their positions of trust to instill fear and to cause death and mayhem,” said Mr Okero.

He eulogised Kimani as a brave man and said his murder has devastated the legal fraternity. “The three arms of government. We trust the ball is in your able hands. The families trust and believe the perpetrators of this heinous act will be arrested,” said James Mburu, a representative of the three families.

US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec joined the deceased families, colleagues, human rights organisations and government representatives to pay tribute to the trio killed. Kimani will be buried on Saturday in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.