Lawyers to demonstrate against Ruto's attack on Judiciary
National
By
Brian Otieno
| Jan 11, 2024
Lawyers will on Friday hold peaceful demonstrations to protest President William Ruto's attack on the Judiciary.
Outgoing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Eric Theuri said that they were considering petitioning the High Court to declare Ruto in violation of the Constitution, which is grounds for impeachment.
The LSK boss said they had assembled a team of lawyers to file the petition.
"Obeying court orders is not a favour the president is doing to this country. It is a constitutional requirement... we are in discussion with like-minded civil society groups and we will not allow Kenya to roll back to the dark days," said Theuri.
He spoke after submitting his nomination papers to represent the LSK in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), where he will face off with lawyer Omwanza Ombati.
The LSK will conduct elections on February 29 to replace the current council whose two-year term is ending.
Theuri said he is the most suitable candidate for the job, citing his experience at the helm of the LSK that has seen the lawyers' body increase its profile in recent years.
"Of all the candidates, none has the kind of profile, experience and courage needed at this particular time when the rule of law is under attack," he added.
The LSK president said he would push for an accountable, independent and efficient Judiciary and automate its services if elected to the JSC.
"The JSC is more important at this time. The position of LSK is equally important to safeguard the Judiciary, make it more accountable so that it is able to make decisions without fear, favour or without influence," said Theuri.
Other candidates who presented their nomination papers include Peter Wanyama, who is seeking to replace Theuri as LSK president and Caroline Wanyonyi, seeking to be a general member of the council.
Wanyonyi promised to champion respect for the rule of law and welfare reforms.
"LSK is the most important group in this country for lawyers and the general public but the issue of lawyers' remuneration has never been addressed sufficiently. I will pursue this and seek innovative ways to deal with this matter through innovative and strategic internal reviews," she said.