2024 was a busy year for lawyers owing to the increased number of court cases due to challenged government policies, impeachments or persons arrested during protests.
Through these cases, some lawyers put their best foot forward and charmed Kenyans. In this article, we outline three lawyers who stood out in 2024:
Faith Odhiambo
The Law of Society of Kenya (LSK) got its 51st president in March 2024, following the election of Faith Odhiambo. LSK has had 50 past presidents, but none has arguably had the impact that Faith has had on Kenyans for the time she has been at the helm of the society.
Two months after her election, she endured her first major assignment where she had to stand with Kenyans, mainly the youth who were arrested and some allegedly abducted after organising peaceful protests against the 2024 Finance Bill.
Throughout the protests between May and July 2024, she played an instrumental role in defending the rights of protesters and securing the release of those arrested by providing pro-bono legal services.
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She was captured in police stations late at night and in the wee hours of the morning, seeking the release of arrested persons. She was also vocal in calling for the arraignment of persons who'd allegedly been abducted.
Her active role endeared her to Kenyans, who consistently tagged her on their posts when they needed help with arrested individuals or ongoing cases. For several days, she trended on social media as netizens praised her and gave her flowers.
In July 2024, when bodies of unknown persons were retrieved from a quarry pit, Odhiambo came out and called for investigations.
"We need investigations to be done! Unacceptable," said the LSK President.
Odhiambo also played a critical role in prosecuting Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli for contempt of court orders directing the release of three individuals allegedly arrested by the police in Kitengela.
The three incidents are some of the many things she's done in her short tenure that have resonated with Kenyans.
James Wanjeri
Other than the LSK President, the other advocate prominently featured during the protests was Wanjeri.
The young advocate dedicated his time to helping secure the release of arrested protesters. He spent nights outside police stations watching over protesters and appeared in courts for those who were arraigned.
On social media, Wanjeri used his platforms to mobilise advocates to avail themselves and represent young who were arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly and picketing.
"We need lawyers to flood Kamukunji Police station and demand for the release of peaceful protestors, including Pilkinton Kimani a journalism student who was arrested while filming protests at the CBD," he posted.
"We have over 200 lawyers on standby and the numbers keep increasing. We will be vigilant today. In case anyone is arrested or in distress, please let us know so that we can send assistance," he posted on a day of protest last month," he added.
He played an active role in searching for missing persons and putting pressure on security agencies to present persons who'd been allegedly abducted.
"If you know anyone who went to State House yesterday evening and did not return, is unaccounted for or is injured, please reply with their name and handle if possible. The brutality could be bigger than imagined," he wrote.
Wanjeri also empowered the youth and reminded them of their right to counsel in case they were interrogated.
"Police intimidation is creeping back. If the DCI summons you for questioning for participating in the protests, insist on having a lawyer present. You also have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions," he said.
These actions endeared him to the youth who formed. Huge percentage of Kenyans on social media, thus making him a trending subject.
Elisha Ongoya
High Court Advocate Elisha Ongoya went viral on social media and got massive coverage on the traditional media following his submissions at the Senate and the High Court regarding the impeachment of his client, Rigathi Gachagua, from the position of deputy president.
While appearing at the Senate, Ongoya thoroughly cross-examined Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who had moved the motion to impeach Gachagua.
His witty questions and knowledge of cross-examination endeared him to Kenyans online, thus making him one of the top trending topics in the country.
During the cross-examination, he sought to discredit Mutuse's evidence and put him to task. What impressed many is how he pressured the Kibwezi West legislator to respond to questions, especially when he appeared to dilly-dally.
"It may be getting hotter, but look at the document, compose yourself, and read," Ongoya told Mutuse in a sound that has since gone viral on social media sites.
