Slain lawyer Tom Ouya Imbukwa was assaulted and abandoned in Harambee Sacco area, Buruburu, Nairobi.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) described the incident as a dark moment for both the legal profession and the country.
LSK President Charles Kanjama confirmed that Imbukwa succumbed to injuries sustained during a reported brutal assault. The advocate was discovered at Harambee SACCO Estate in critical condition after the attack and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he later died.
Police revised the scene on Thursday as part of the probe into the murder.
The motive is yet to be established so far.
Kanjama raised serious concerns over the circumstances surrounding the incident, noting allegations that Imbukwa had lived in fear for about two weeks prior to the attack after reportedly receiving threats from a police officer.
According to preliminary accounts, the advocate had avoided his workplace and court sessions due to safety concerns.
Before his condition worsened, Imbukwa is said to have indicated that he had been assaulted by police officers alongside other individuals.
However, LSK emphasized that these claims remain subject to verification through ongoing investigations.
Preliminary observations suggest the advocate sustained severe injuries consistent with torture, including disturbing claims that his left eye had been gouged out.
Further concern has been raised over discrepancies at the scene, with officers at Savannah Police Post reportedly indicating that no blood was found where the victim was discovered, despite visible bleeding. This has fueled suspicion that the assault may have occurred elsewhere.
LSK linked the incident to a broader pattern of insecurity affecting members of the Bar, citing the recent killing of advocate Kyalo Mbobu, for which accountability is still pending.
The Society warned that such incidents point to a growing threat against legal practitioners in Kenya.
“The increasing vulnerability of Advocates to violence, intimidation and retaliation poses a serious threat to the administration of justice,” the statement read, noting that attacks on lawyers undermine the rule of law and constitutional order.
The Society has now called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service to conduct swift, impartial and thorough investigations.
It also appealed to members of the public with relevant information to come forward, assuring confidentiality.
In support of the bereaved family, LSK announced it will provide legal assistance and facilitate the involvement of an independent pathologist during the postmortem examination to ensure transparency.
Further, the Society demanded that anyone found culpable—regardless of rank—be held fully accountable under the law, warning that impunity in cases involving violence against advocates must not be tolerated.
In honour of the late advocate, LSK has urged its members to wear purple ribbons throughout the week as a symbol of mourning and solidarity, as well as a collective call for justice.
“The Law Society of Kenya will not relent until the truth is established and accountability is achieved,” Kanjama stated, adding that the Society will closely monitor the investigations and take all necessary legal and advocacy measures to ensure justice is served.
Police said they were investigating the incident with an aim of getting the suspects and motive.
Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud said a squad had been set to pursue the matter.
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