Cheruiyot accuses LSK of defending criminals in protests
By William Muthama, July 19, 2025Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has launched a blistering attack on the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), accusing it of abandoning its former role of defending the oppressed and instead becoming a defender of individuals arrested for serious crimes during anti-government protests.
Speaking during a youth empowerment event in Kajiado on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Cheruiyot claimed the LSK had lost its moral compass and is now offering legal protection to suspects involved in looting, assault, and even sexual violence.
“Hii chama ya mawakili si ile ya zamani. Wakati wa kina Wetang’ula, LSK ilikua inatetea wanyonge. Leo hii, imekua chama ya kutetea watu waliopigwa wakivunja maduka, kupiga polisi, na hata kubaka wanawake. Shame on you,” said Cheruiyot.
Translating to:
“This lawyers’ society is not the one we knew. During the days of people like Wetang’ula, LSK defended the oppressed. Today, it defends those caught looting shops, attacking police officers, and even raping women. Shame on you.”
Backing criminal acts
The Kericho Senator expressed concern that the Law Society, once respected for upholding justice, is now actively offering legal aid to individuals apprehended during violent protests.
He noted that while LSK defends protestors, it has ignored victims’ business owners who suffered losses and police officers injured in the chaos.
“Where is your concern for the ordinary mwananchi whose livelihood was destroyed? Who is speaking for the victims?” he posed.
Cheruiyot also questioned whether the LSK was being manipulated by political forces determined to destabilise the country.
He further accused the opposition of encouraging criminality by turning peaceful protests into violent confrontations. According to Cheruiyot, some leaders are inciting youth to wreak havoc under the guise of democratic rights.
“These protests are no longer about governance or the economy they are about anarchy and power struggles,” he said.
Cheruiyot called on the Law Society to reclaim its integrity and speak out against violence and destruction, regardless of who is behind it.