LSK To Stage Protests At DCI Headquarters Over Danstan Omari Summons

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Nairobi branch on Wednesday, February 22 criticised the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for summoning lawyer Danstan Omari.

In a statement, the lawyers believed that the notice by the DCI to summon Omari to their headquarters was meant to intimidate, threaten and prevent him from discharging his duties as an Advocate and an officer of the Court.

LSK argued that lawyers in Kenya have been intimidated in the recent past by external forces that attempt to limit the right to representation and expression.

LSK president, Eric Theuri. /TV47 DIGITAL

"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 the 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 stated in part.

To ascertain their case, LSK made reference to the case of the slain lawyer Willie Kimani as well as the untimely deaths of other advocates such as the late Jared Ratemo, the late Stephen Mburu, the late Antony Ngunjiri amongst others while expressing the fears that have been heightened owing to threats faced by members of the society.

"The alleged offences as highlighted in the notice have been used as tactics to cause the Advocate to execute his duty to the client in fear and trepidation. We strongly condemn the actions taken by the DCI in attempting to curtail the Advocate's freedom of expression as provided under Article 19 of the Constitution. As per Section 134 of the Evidence Act, CAP. 80 the DCI should respect Advocate-Client privilege.

"It is becoming common practice that lawyers in Kenya have to look over their shoulders when discharging their duties. This has to come to an end," added LSK.

The LSK Nairobi Branch moved to strongly condemn the said actions taken by the DCI and further demanded that the Government of Kenya with all the relevant authorities including the DCI, National Police Service (NPS), Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Judiciary take appropriate and immediate measures to protect Advocates and channel efforts towards access to justice.

"We hereby call on members to turn up at the DCI Headquarters on Thursday 23rd February 2023 at 12:30 pm, as a sign of solidarity with our besieged colleague," added LSK.

Omari was summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to appear at the DCI headquarters on Wednesday, February 22 but failed to do so, asking for the summons to be pushed to the following day as he was dealing with a number of cases.