NAIROBI JULY 8, 2016(CISA) – A joint memorial mass in remembrance of slain Lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri was held July 8 at the Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi ahead of Kimani’s burial on July 9 in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.
The three bodies were pulled out of the Ol Donyo Sabuk River in Kilimambogo on July 1 and taken to the City Mortuary in Nairobi.
The brutal death of the three has elicited condemnation largely from the Law Society of Kenya and Human Rights defenders in the country, who continue to call for justice to be done.
During the memorial mass, International Justice Mission Chief Executive officer, Gary Haugen said that the “the murderers of Willie, Josephat and Joseph must be prosecuted and sent to prison for this horrific violence noting that “the ultimate well-being of Kenya and its citizens hangs in the balance.”
Haugen said they will not rest until the individuals responsible for the death of the three are prosecuted regardless of whether they are private citizens or members of the national police service.
The memorial mass was led by Fr Stephen Mbugua, Parish Priest St Paul’s Catholic Church Chapel, Nairobi.
Four police officers have since been arrested over the murder and will remain in custody until July 18 when their case will be mentioned.
Those in custody are Sergeant Fredrick Leliman, Sergeant Leonard Mwangi, Corporal Stephen Chebulet and Constable Silvia Wanjiku.
Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said that the three will face charges including murder since “there is circumstantial evidence linking the three officers to the murders.” “They will face charges including murder,” Boinnet said, “Their behavior is not representative of the National Police Service.”
The memorial service was attended by among others the US Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec, Isaac Okero, chairman, Law Society of Kenya, family members of the deceased, friends and relatives.
