- LSK President Erick Theuri said that the Society will take all necessary steps to safeguard the principles of justice and democracy.
- Theuri additionally claimed that children were among those arrested, charged and remanded together with adults.
Image: FILE
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has hit out at members within the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions over recent events that have seen various politicians arrested and tramped up charges brought against them by the state.
In a Press release titled 'Return of the dark days of repression' released on Monday, LSK President Erick Theuri said that the society will take all necessary steps to safeguard democracy in the country warning those that may wish to undermine the rule of law.
"We, therefore, wish to notify our members within the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions that should they make decisions that betray the public trust, undermine the rule of law and bring disrepute to the legal profession, the Law Society of Society shall issue them with a certificate of dishonour and immediately commence proceedings to remove them from the roll of advocates," Theuri said.
LSK further reminded advocates within the ODPP of their impartial duty to uphold the law and the Constitution without fear or favour saying that the decisions they make must bring honour and dignity to the legal profession.
"State counsels in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are under a constitutional obligation to exercise their powers independently while upholding public trust," the statement reads.
"The decisions that they make must bring honour and dignity in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and by extension to the Legal profession."
Theuri additionally claimed that children were among those arrested, charged and remanded together with adults, contrary to provisions of the Children’s Act.
"We call upon all the responsible institutions including the National Police Service, ODPP and theJudiciary to observe and respect the rights of the Children as enshrined in the Law," he said.
According to Theuri, LSK will offer free legal representation during arraignment for pleas for those subjected to 'inhumane and unconstitutional treatment'.
"Members of the public seeking legal assistance from the ongoing persecution can reach the Society through the following toll-free numbers 0800-720434 and or email [email protected]," Theuri said.