A Meru court has postponed to August the judgement in the case of murdered Turkana activist Elizabeth Ekaru.
The family and the accused will know the verdict on August 15. The mother of six was killed in January 2022.
Defenders Coalition, the lobby that is pushing the case, said that the court rescheduled delivery of its decision.
"[We] notify you that the judgement for the murder case of Elizabeth Ekaru has been rescheduled. The new date for the judgement is August 15 at the Meru law courts," the organisation said without giving reasons for the postponement.
In a patriarchal society where women’s voices are largely unheard, Ekaru stood out in Turkana for championing land rights until an alleged family feud claimed her life through stabbing on January 3, 2022.
The human rights defender was stabbed to death at Kambi Garba in Isiolo county while attending a burial.
Ekaru was killed over a land feud with a neighbour and was laid to rest at her father’s home in Nakwamekwi village in Lodwar.
The neighbour, Patrick Naweet, is said to have been embroiled in a land dispute with Ekaru. He faces a murder charge for her death.
In solidarity with her family, a network of human rights defenders sustained the case in court in pursuit of justice for the activist.
The Defenders Coalition, a network that works to uphold safety and welfare of human rights activists, ensured that witnesses were available to testify against the suspect.
The lobby said it monitored up to 25 court appearances to ensure all witnesses were facilitated to court and the lawyers for the family played their part in keeping the wheels of justice spinning.
“After three years in the corridors of justice and 25 court appearances, the judgement in the case of the brutal murder of woman human rights defender Elizabeth Ekaru will be delivered on July 25, 2024, at 2pm,” the lobby said.
The group says that as they hope for justice for Ekaru’s family, her legacy in women’s and land rights activism lives on and has inspired many in her society to be social justice champions.
“Ekaru was a staunch advocate for women's rights, a champion of peace, and an environmental and land rights defender from Isiolo county, Kenya,” the group said.
“Recognised for her courageous work, she received the Head of State Commendation for her primary role in defending human rights in Kenya. She was also a member of the National Network of Women Human Rights Defenders, convened by the Defenders Coalition of Kenya.”
The lobby urged members of the public to turn up at the High Court where the decision will be rendered.
“Your presence in standing with Elizabeth in the delivery of the judgement is greatly appreciated as we come together to witness the delivery of justice and affirm that violence against women human rights defenders is a crime. All are welcome!”