By Erestinah Jane | July 8, 2026
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama has called for urgent and thorough investigations into the deaths of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager Esther Wairimu Keige and advocate Edward Muthee Kariuki, saying the two incidents have deeply shaken the legal fraternity and raised concerns over the safety of legal professionals.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 8, Kanjama condemned the killings and urged investigative agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the two deaths without delay. He said the incidents had created anxiety among advocates and other officers involved in the administration of justice.
Expressing the society’s concern, Kanjama stated:
“The targeted, calculated extermination of two distinguished ministers of justice… is… a declaration of war against the rule of law…”
The LSK president called on law enforcement agencies to conduct independent, transparent and expeditious investigations, saying those responsible should be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The statement follows the discovery of the body of Esther Wairimu Keige, the 54-year-old Legal Services Manager at the Kenya Forest Service, whose remains were found in a coffee plantation in Juja, Kiambu County, after she had been missing since June 10, 2026. Police recovered her body on July 7, and investigations are ongoing to establish the cause and circumstances of her death.
The second case involves advocate Edward Muthee Kariuki, who was killed outside his home in Athi River on July 5, 2026. Authorities have also launched investigations into the incident, although the motive and circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been officially established.
Kanjama said the back-to-back deaths had heightened concern within the legal profession, emphasizing that lawyers and legal officers play a critical role in upholding constitutionalism, justice and the rule of law. He urged the government to ensure their safety and to strengthen measures aimed at protecting officers serving in the justice sector.
The Law Society of Kenya also appealed to the National Police Service and other investigative agencies to keep the public informed as the investigations progress, noting that transparency would help maintain confidence in the justice system.
The deaths have drawn widespread attention from members of the legal fraternity, civil society and the public, with many calling for swift investigations and accountability. Several lawyers have also expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased while urging authorities to ensure that the cases are resolved without unnecessary delay.
Police have not announced any arrests in either case, and investigations into both deaths remain ongoing. Authorities have appealed to anyone with information that may assist detectives to come forward as forensic and witness inquiries continue.
Kanjama said the legal profession would continue to monitor the investigations closely, expressing hope that the findings would provide answers to the bereaved families and reinforce public confidence in Kenya’s justice system.
