This archive report was first published on 14 July 2021.
On July 14, 2021, the High Court in Nairobi took a significant step in the escalating feud between Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi and CEO Mercy Wambua. Justice Jairus Ngaah issued a ruling that shields Mr Havi from imminent prosecution over alleged assault claims.
According to reports, Ms Wambua had filed a complaint that she was assaulted during an LSK Council meeting held on July 12, 2021, at the LSK offices in Nairobi. However, Mr Havi's lawyer, Brian Khaemba, argued that his client was arrested without a notice or explanation of what he had done.
Mr Khaemba stated that prior to the arrest, the police had not issued any summons or notice to Mr Havi requiring his presence at any location. He also claimed that the police had acted on Ms Wambua's uncorroborated and defamatory utterances in the media to effect the unlawful arrest.
Mr Khaemba further argued that Mr Havi was reasonably apprehensive that the police intended to visit ridicule, embarrassment, and public odium upon him through wanton arrest on trumped-up charges.
