The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has officially announced its intention to organize a peaceful street protest (maandamano) on Friday, January 12, 2024, in response to President William Ruto’s recent attacks on the Judiciary.
President Ruto has openly declared his defiance of court orders, claiming that judges have been compromised to obstruct crucial government projects.
In response, the LSK has invited the public to join them in condemning President Ruto’s remarks, which they assert constitute an attack on the independence of the third arm of government.
“Join the @LawSocietyofKe as we peacefully protest this Friday and reaffirm the commitment to defend the independence of the Judiciary and compliance with Court orders,” stated LSK in a notice shared on social media.
According to the LSK, the peaceful protest will commence from the Supreme Court Grounds in Nairobi, following a route along Parliament Road up to the Office of the President.
LSK has already written to the Police Commandant, Nairobi Area, seeking security during the exercise, scheduled to run from 9:00 am to noon.
To symbolize their commitment to upholding constitutional principles, LSK encourages participants, including its members, to wear purple ribbons and robes during the protest.
LSK President Eric Theuri, who had previously warned of street protests if President Ruto did not retract his comments on defying court orders, emphasized the gravity of the situation. In a statement, Theuri asserted that Ruto’s remarks amounted to an attack on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
“We remind the president that the same courts upheld his own election based on impartiality and at one time nullified another,” Theuri stated.
“The president should refrain from undermining the judiciary. If the president says he can’t obey court orders, what happens to a mama mboga in court seeking justice,” Theuri added.
In a satirical rejoinder, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna replied to the calls by calling the LSK demos ‘civilized’.
“Hukujangi ile yetu ju sisi ni wabaya, twende hii basi. Hii ni ya wangwana. Do something. Your Country needs you. Your voice is very important,” Sifuna posted on X platform.
Whether Senator Sifuna will attend the ‘maandamano‘ is however a story for another day!
