The law society of kenya has condemned the DCI for summoning lawyer danstan omari, representing the former interior cs Fred Matiangi.
In a letter addressed to the lawyer by detective Michael K. Sang, omari was asked to submit himself to their offices on Wednesday, February 22, without fail.
According to the officer, he is "investigating allegations of Publication of False Information contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2018, amongst other offences, in relation to the alleged invasion and raid of the former Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Co-ordination, Dr. Fred Matiang'i's residence on the 8th and 9th of February 2023 allegedly by a "battalion" and/or "garrison" of police officers."
The lawyers expressed outrage and concern about the environment in which Kenyan lawyers must practice, citing intimidation from external forces attempting to limit their opportunity for representation and expression.
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"We are outraged and apprehensive about the environment in which Kenyan lawyers have to practise. The Advocate's security is now in question as the body which is meant to work with the lawyers in dispensation of justice is now exerting undue pressure to frustrate the existing Advocate-Client relationship between the said Advocate and his client, Dr. Fred Matiang'i," LSK Nairobi Branch chair LSK, said.
The law society of Kenya demands that the DCI respect the lawyer-client privilege and stop using made-up offences to intimidate lawyers from representing their clients. They also demanded an end to the harassment and killings of Kenyan lawyers, citing the cases of Willy Kimani, Jared Ratemo, Stephen Mburu, and Antony Ngunjiri.
The Nairobi Branch of the LSK also demanded that the Kenyan government, in collaboration with all relevant authorities, take appropriate and immediate steps to protect lawyers and funnel efforts toward access to justice.
