Lawyers In Meru Protest The Shooting Of A Colleague.
Lawyers in Meru have held peaceful demonstrations in Maua town. They were protesting the Wednesday shooting of their colleague Kirimi Mbogo. They later went to the Maua Law Courts and talked to Senior Principal Magistrate Tito Gesora. Afterwards marching to Mr Mbogo’s office, where they addressed journalists. Led by Meru Bar Association Chairman Ken Muriuki, the lawyers expressed concern over their security and called for quick investigations.
During the demos yesterday, the lawyers complained that Mr Mbogo had on several occasions been attacked. But the culprits were never brought to book. Mr Muriuki pointed out that on one occasion, Mr Mbogo’s house was set on fire. In another instance, his car was set on fire and his client killed as they visited a disputed piece of land. He demanded that the culprit be brought to book, failure to which they will pursue the matter privately.
Most of the court cases in Chuka, Meru, Maua, Nkubu and Isiolo which required the presence of advocates were rescheduled. Mr Mbogo, who is a prominent lawyer in the region, was shot in the stomach Wednesday evening by a gunman who was riding on a motorcycle. He is recuperating at St Theresa Mission Hospital, Kiirua. Doctors successfully removed the bullet lodged in his stomach. Police said the lawyer had just stepped outside his office at around 8.30pm when the gunman approached him and shot him at close range.
“We want to send this signal that we will not be cowed by these acts from these characters. We will do our work dutifully and diligently. We shall also represent our clients even if they shoot at us every day. If the police don’t take any action, as advocates, we represent clients. What about when our own has been injured? They are trespassing into our territories. Either we conduct private investigations, or we move to court for other redresses,” said Mr Muriuki. Mr Akong’o and Mr Bett assured the lawyers that they will conduct speedy investigations. They also posted police officers to guard the lawyer in hospital.
