Kenyan court says police killed human rights lawyer

By Magdalene Mukami

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – The High Court in Kenya on Thursday ruled that a human rights lawyer, his client and a driver killed in June died at the hands of the police.

Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and driver Joseph Muruiri were detained by officers on June 23. Judge Luka Kimaru said the trio were tortured and killed by police officers.

So far, four police suspects are being held over the murders; they have so far denied the charges.

Kimani had been pursuing a case against a senior officer accused of shooting and injuring Mwenda.

Judge Kimaru gave the Law Society of Kenya approval to seek compensation on behalf of the three dead.

The judge also said police came up with false charges which brought Kimani and Mwenda together at the Mavoko law courts in Machakos County from where they were later abducted.

“Judges, magistrates and lawyers should be protected by the police as provided under the Bill of Rights in the Kenyan constitution,” the judge said, adding that Kimani should be recognized as a champion of justice.

The murders triggered countrywide demonstrations by people from all walks of life. Lawyers in Kenya went on strike for a week and took part in demonstrations in solidarity with their slain colleague.