Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-12 07:25:11
Legal consultant Beatrice Ng’ethe was arrested at her home in Kiambu County and spent two days in a cell at Pangani Police Station before she was released. She was interrogated by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations following an inquiry into her connections with Kevin Kang’ethe, who is facing extradition proceedings in connection to the murder of Margaret Mbitu in the United States.
As friends and relatives of Beatrice Ng’ethe confirm, Kevin Kang’ethe sought legal advice from her concerning his extradition to the US, where he is charged with murder. They emphasized the fact that the communication between them was solely for seeking legal support and how to manage the situation effectively. He communicated his concerns and legal issues with her and didn’t discuss plans related to fleeing and evading the law.
On the day of her arrest, the legal consultant was caught off guard when four officers from the DCI showed up at her door early in the morning. She was at home preparing breakfast when the officers arrived. They presented their badges but refused to cooperate with the security cameras at the entrance. She was then escorted to Kiambu Police Station where she was questioned by the officers. Her friend, who was also present at the time, was told to leave and not to notify Ms. Ng’ethe’s relatives about the incident.
Ms Ng’ethe’s family struggled to locate her after she was taken to custody, as her phone was continually turned off. Her brother went to the Kiambu Police Station, the DCI headquarters, and later to Karen police to inquire about her. However, officers from these stations denied knowledge of the arrest.
The arrest of Ms. Ng’ethe led to an outcry from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which described her arrest as an attack on the legal profession. LSK President Eric Theuri called for protests outside the DCI headquarters to bring attention to what they perceived as an outrageous attack on the legal profession.
The case sparked concern over possible procedural violations and raised questions about the actions of law enforcement officers during the arrest. Ms. Beatrice Ng’ethe’s legal rights must be guaranteed, and the circumstances surrounding her arrest and detention will need to be addressed by the appropriate authorities to ensure fair and just treatment.
The entire incident raises concerns over the protection of legal practitioners and the misuse of police power, which underscores the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The treatment of Ms. Ng’ethe and her involvement in the case must be conducted in accordance with the law and the fundamental principles of fair treatment and due process. As investigations continue, the pursuit of justice for all involved parties must be conducted with integrity, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and legal practices.
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