Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has condemned the alleged persecution of Grace Mulei, a vocal activist and community leader, who has been under increasing pressure for questioning the government’s handling of public funds.
Mulei, known for her strong stance on accountability and transparency, has faced harassment after raising concerns about corruption and the misuse of state resources.
According to reports, Mulei’s efforts to hold the government accountable have led to intense scrutiny, with some individuals reportedly attempting to silence her.
Odhiambo spoke out in Nairobi, emphasizing that the actions taken against Mulei are not only a violation of her rights but also a breach of Kenya’s constitution.
She stated, “The persecution of Grace Mulei for demanding accountability from the government is anathema to our constitution and rule of law.”
In her statement, Odhiambo called on the government and its authorities to respect the right of every citizen to voice their concerns without fear of intimidation or threats.
She added that such persecution is a direct challenge to the fundamental principles that Kenya’s constitution upholds.
Mulei has been a strong advocate for transparency, and her outspoken nature on issues of corruption has earned her both admiration and criticism.
While many Kenyans have rallied behind her, acknowledging her courage in standing up for what is right, others have taken actions to intimidate and silence her.
This has led to growing concerns over the safety and freedom of activists who dare to challenge the status quo.In her address, Odhiambo called for an end to the harassment that Mulei and others fighting for transparency are facing.
She stressed that this issue goes beyond Mulei’s case and is a matter of defending the rights of all Kenyans to question their leaders and demand good governance.
“This is not just about Grace Mulei,” Odhiambo explained. “It is about defending our rights as Kenyans to question our leaders and demand good governance.”
The LSK official also appealed to civil society groups, human rights organizations, and the general public to stand in solidarity with Mulei.
Odhiambo urged these groups to ensure that Mulei’s rights are protected and that any form of retaliation against her is challenged.
According to her, the persecution of Mulei sets a dangerous precedent for activists and citizens who seek to hold those in power accountable.
The ongoing situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many questioning how the government will respond to these concerns.
Activists have pointed out that the Kenyan constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the right to demand accountability from leaders.
This right is integral to ensuring good governance and transparency. Therefore, any attempt to stifle these rights should be met with strong opposition.
Odhiambo criticized the manner in which Mulei was arrested, noting that the alleged offence of causing a public disturbance, for which she was arrested, only warrants a fine or a maximum six-month prison sentence.
She highlighted that Article 49(2) of the Constitution prohibits the remanding of individuals arrested on such charges, and the actions of the National Police Service (NPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) against Mulei were contrary to both the law and the police’s own standing orders.
The Law Society of Kenya has pledged to provide legal support to ensure that Mulei is released, emphasizing that her treatment is not only legally flawed but also deeply inconsistent with the dignity and rights guaranteed to all citizens.
Odhiambo’s firm stance indicates the broader implications of the case, with Kenyans now watching closely to see how the government will address these violations and what this means for the future of activism and accountability in Kenya.
