The legal community in Kenya is reeling from the shocking death of Kajiado advocate James Onchiri Nyaaka, whose body was discovered under his vehicle on October 22, 2024.
This tragic incident has not only raised questions about safety but also sparked a wave of concern regarding accountability in the profession.
Circumstances Surrounding the Incident
James Onchiri, 62, was last seen alive on October 21 at approximately 6 PM, enjoying drinks with his messenger, Erick Ondiek, at a bar located opposite the Kajiado Law Courts.
According to a police report, CCTV footage retrieved from the scene shows a disturbing sequence of events. The footage captured Ondiek dragging Onchiri from the bar towards his vehicle—a Mitsubishi pickup with registration number KBQ—before reversing and running over him.
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Following this harrowing act, Ondiek fled the scene, leaving the vehicle behind.
Onchiri’s body was found later that day with visible head injuries. A post-mortem examination conducted on October 23 at Kajiado County Hospital confirmed that he died from chest injuries due to blunt force trauma.
Investigation Underway
In light of these events, local police have launched a comprehensive investigation. Five individuals have been arrested, including the bar owner and several attendants, who are currently assisting authorities with their inquiries.
The investigation team has been granted five days to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Onchiri’s death, with a deadline set for October 28.
Police officials stated,
Five suspects, including the bar owner and the attendants, were arrested to assist police with the investigation. The suspects appeared before the court for custodial orders.
Police Officials
They further urged anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in their investigation.
Community Reaction and Condolences
The news of Onchiri’s death has sent ripples of grief across the legal community and beyond. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), expressed her deep condolences:
We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. We urge anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward and assist law enforcement agencies.
Faith Odhiambo
She emphasized the need for justice in this case.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of sympathy and outrage over this incident. Many colleagues and friends have shared their memories of Onchiri as a dedicated advocate who served his community with integrity and passion.
A Broader Concern
This tragic event comes at a time when concerns about safety within the legal profession are increasingly being voiced.
The recent deaths of two High Court judges have further compounded these worries, prompting calls for enhanced security measures for legal professionals.
The LSK has condemned this act of violence and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
As investigations unfold, many in the community are left grappling with the implications of this tragedy and what it means for their safety and well-being.
