The Law Society of Kenya’s Legal Awareness Week 2024 Gala Dinner took place on Friday, the 1st of November, 2024, at the Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel. The event punctuated the legal awareness week that commenced on October 28th under the theme, “Laws For The People, By The People, in style.

The Gala, the first-ever Public Interest Litigation (PIL) dinner, was conceptualized and organized by the LSK’s PIL Committee Convener, Manwa Hosea, and Co-convener Steve Mbugua. 

According to the duo, the PIL gala was an award ceremony to recognize and honor the courageous advocates who acted as legal first responders during the Gen-Z Protests against bad governance. The Keynote speakers at the gala included:

• LSK President, Madam Faith Odhiambo
• Amnesty International Executive Director Irungu Houghton, who was the event’s chief guest,
• LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata (who delivered his speech in effortless Kiswahili sanifu).
• LSK CEO Florence Muturi who opened the gala and welcomed guests.
• LSK Nairobi Chapter Chairperson, Eric Kivuva
• The Advocates’ Benevolent Association Chairperson, Myron Menezes
• Celebrated Constitutional lawyer Kibe Mungai

In her speech, President Faith Odhiambo commended the lawyers who put their lives on the line during the protests despite the chaos that ensued, including vandalism to their property and physical bodily harm. “You braved cold nights, defied tear gas, and, in the face of intimidation, harassment, and even arbitrary arrests and detention, you chose to stand firm for justice.” She highlighted a case in which police officers refused to take a statement from a lawyer injured during the protests. “This evening is a fitting tribute to those who answered the call to protect the rule of law, to defend constitutionalism, and to uphold human rights in the face of adversity. As we conclude this week of reflection, learning, and engagement, we acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable dedication of these advocates, whose commitment has made an indelible mark on our profession and society.”

Ms Odhiambo further expressed immense gratitude to the council members and other lawyers who intercepted children’s arrests and worked tirelessly to right this injustice. She also recognized the highly coordinated effort employed by the LSK secretariat, the Council, and individual lawyers while reviewing the many bulking pleadings before filing them in Court. 

“Young lawyers, you made it possible for us to be where we are. You are the Law Society of Kenya. Even when my term as president lapses, we shall have heroes, warriors, and great leaders.” She affirmed the Gen-Z lawyers in attendance that their efforts significantly impact the people of Kenya. Lastly, she encouraged them to keep fighting the good fight.

The LSK President referred to a quote by Martin Luther King Junior in addressing the lawyers’ pursuit of justice. “Martin Luther King Jr. Said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. The indomitable spirit of the legal profession and the role we must play as defenders of justice and champions of the public interest.”

She closed her speech with a quote from Nelson Mandela, “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.” You can listen to President Faith Odhiambo’s inspiring speech here.

Byron Menezes, Chairperson of the ABA, echoed President Faith Odhiambo’s sentiments. “Today is about the heroes that did what they had to do to stand for access to justice, the rule of law, and rights.” Mr. Menezes further acknowledged that the protests took a toll on the advocates’ well-being. Therefore, he announced that the ABA would reach out to all its members needing post-‘maandamano’ trauma counseling. 

Eric Kivuva, Chairperson of LSK Nairobi, began by acknowledging the perilous circumstances advocates experienced during the protests by narrating his ordeal. “On 25th June, we were caught up at the Supreme Court when protestors mistook us for the oppressors.” Besides the life-threatening incident at the High Court, Mr.Kivuva lost his vehicle, which was irreparably vandalized during the protests. However, Mr. Kivuva challenged the Gen-Z lawyers to bring the fight against impunity closer home by applying the same vigor to clamor for streamlining processes in the legal profession. “We are also victims of injustice. “How so?” you may ask. We get commitments from the courts and registries about judgment and decree timelines. Let us not ‘facilitate’. Instead, let us test the system so that the commitments are met.” Mr. Kivuva cautioned that ‘facilitating’ solves public problems privately. “As we fight for the rule of law, let’s not neglect fighting for justice for the legal practitioner.” Kivuva concluded by challenging the advocates to reflect on the profession they desire and have the courage to change things for the betterment of the country.

Kibe Mungai, a senior lawyer, congratulated President Faith Odhiambo for steering the LSK’s hands-on approach during the protests. “As long as the LSK stands strong, the Constitution of Kenya (2010) will be safe. We are here because the generation of lawyers in the 80s and the 90s play their part. Gen-Zs surprised everybody with their extraordinary bravery.” He further commended the Gen-Zs for their extraordinary bravery. “Dedan Kimathi (Mungai’s personal hero) must be proud of Gen-Z.”  However, he cautioned them to stay ‘woke’. “We must understand how power works because parliament, the most important institution prescribed in the COK 2010, is now a rubber stamp for the executive. Unless someone stands and fights for the constitution, it will die.”

Irungu Houghton, the Chief Guest, closed the speaker lineup with a resounding speech. He began by commending the LSK for addressing or following up on most of the 60 unlawful killings, 71 illegal abductions, and 1600 arbitrary arrests. “We may not have saved everyone, but your consistency showed up. We see you, we honor you, and we admire you.”

Additionally, he predicted that in a few years, today’s emerging lawyers will look the current LSK administration in the eyes and thank them for protecting their ‘woke’ generation. Houghton Irungu’s parting shot to the young lawyers was: 

“If the thief of our joy today is cynicism, let our power, our authentic power, be in showing up to be, act with and protect those that want better for our nation. These are not normal times: Don’t adjust, stay maladjusted, stay unreasonable.”

Irungu concluded by pledging Amnesty International’s solidarity and voice whenever LSK faces intimidation while pursuing justice. He further expressed hearty congratulations to the evening’s awardees.

The Gala’s award ceremony featured four award categories: The Project Team (LSK Secretariat), advocates who handled PIL matters on behalf of the LSK, LSK Council Members, and lawyers who made general interventions. 

President Faith Odhiambo seized the moment during her speech to appreciate her gratitude for the LSK’s Council Members. “To my council members, I offer my deepest appreciation. Your support and commitment have been invaluable, allowing the Law Society to stand united and responsive in these critical times. You have worked tirelessly to ensure that the society remains a bastion of integrity, courage, and unwavering advocacy, providing direction and support to every advocate who took part in this mission.”

The awardees received a total of ten trophies and 150 certificates of recognition. The notable stars who bagged trophies included Eric Muriuki, Rebecca Omwenga, Moses Kimutai Issac, and Abner Mango, all within the second category. You can view the full list of winners in all four categories at the bottom of this piece (and don’t be stingy with congratulatory messages).

Back to the trophy awardees, Eric Muriki filed the Nairobi Constitutional Petition No. E303 of 2024 (The Law Society of Kenya and Irene Akoth Otto Vs. State Law and Moses Mutayi and 1 Other)- The High Court issued interim orders directing the Inspector General of Police and any other police officer under his command to allow advocates access to their clients and to communicate with them at any time or stage of arrest as required by Article 49(1)(c).

Second, Rebecca Omwenga was instructed to file Nairobi Constitutional Petition No. E373 of 2024 (Law Society of Kenya -v- Martin Mbae Kithinji & 7 Others) – On 14th August 2024, the High Court issued an order barring the police from hiding or obscuring their faces so as to render themselves difficult to identify or unidentifiable as had been the standard practice throughout the demonstrations. In utter disregard of this order, on 19th August 2024, masked police officers abducted MR. BOB NJAGI, MR. JAMIL LONGTON AND MR. ASLAM LONGTON, and held them incommunicado with no information on their whereabouts forthcoming. No information on the identity and the instructions under which the police officers were acting was made available to the public or to the families. The Petition was successful, the three individuals having been found.

Third was Abner Mango, who represented LSK in MILIMANI HIGH COURT CRIMINAL CASE NO. E074 OF 2022; REPUBLIC VERSUS TITUS YOMA & 11 OTHERS (BABY PENDO CASE)

After a long 8-year wait and protracted legal battles, 12 police officers were finally presented before the court to take a plea on the murder and death of baby Pendo, and charges preferred historically and for the first time under the International Crimes Act.

A unique awardee in this category was Moses Kimutai Isaac, a Police Corporal at the Supreme Court who actively helped during the Maandamano. Also, Steve Mbugua, PIL’s co-convenor, also dedicated his council member award to the LSK Naivasha Chapter, which bailed out 130 children arrested and held during the Maandamanos.

While the gala was to reflect on the crucial subject of upholding and protecting civil liberties and the rule of law, the advocates seized the opportunity to let loose when President Faith Odhiambo invited the Gen-Z lawyers to lead the famed ‘Anguka Nayo’ Gen-Z anthem by Wadagliz Ke.

The LawDown Africa extends hearty congratulations to all the awardees and all the lawyers, young and old, who are reshaping the legal profession to make the theme ‘Laws by the People, for the People’ a reality. Below is the complete list of awardees listed by category. Congratulate them when you meet them.

CATEGORY 1: The Project Team (Working Within the LSK Secretariat

AWARD RECIPIENTS:

1. Ms. Florence Muturi, Advocate CEO
2. Ms. Wangari Kagai, Advocate  Public Interest and Advocacy Officer
3. Mr. Were Bonface Advocate -Public Interest and Advocacy officer
4. Ms. Esther Patrober -Advocate Practice Standards Officer
5. Mr. Scot Ian Obaro – Media & Communications Officer
6. Mr. Kevin Kalabai – pupilage intern

CATEGORY 2: Advocates Who Took Up PIL Matters On Behalf of The LSK

AWARD RECIPIENTS:

1. Eric Muriki
2. Rebecca Omwenga
3. Abner Mwango
4. 5. Richard Mwaniki.
5. 6. James Ongamo
6. 7. Valine Kiptoo
7. 8. Derrick Mwangi
8. 9. Brian Okoko
9. 10. Polycarp Okello
10. Moses Kimutai Isaac (Police Corporal)

CATEGORY 3: LSK Council Members

AWARD RECIPIENTS:

1. Faith Odhiambo (President)
2. Mwaura Kabata (Vice-President)
3. Tom K’opere
4. Teresia Wavinya
5. Hosea Manwa (General Membership Representative)
6. Gloria Kimani
7. Irene Otto
8. Stephen Mbugua (Nairobi Representative)
9. Vincent Githaiga
10. Lindah Kiome
11. Hezekiah Aseso
12. Zulfa Roble (Upcountry Representatives)
13. Elizabeth Wanjeri (Coast Representative)

CATEGORY 4: LSK Council Members

AWARD RECIPIENTS: