LSK asks for more time in Mau Mau case
Law society of Kenya chairman Erick Mutua (left) and his deputy Lillian Omondi. A group of lawyers has already threatened to take legal action against LSK if clauses limiting eligibility to run for top office to those who have served for more than 15 years is not removed to allow all members to participate. PHOTO | FILE |
What you need to know:
- Chairman Eric Mutua said LSK had appointed Mr Fraser Whitehead of Slater and Gordon Lawyers of the UK to file a case in court to push for the inclusion of more claimants in the Mau Mau case.
- More than 13,000 claimants have so far sought compensation from the British Government over mistreatment during the struggle for independence.
The Law Society of Kenya wants the High Court in Britain to give more time to potential claimants seeking Mau Mau compensation to come on board.
Chairman Eric Mutua said LSK had appointed Mr Fraser Whitehead of Slater and Gordon Lawyers of the UK to file a case in court to push for the inclusion of more claimants in the Mau Mau case.
The claimants have until April to be screened and file their suits.
Speaking after a meeting with Mr Whitehead and lawyer P.K. Kamau who is coordinating the Mau Mau matter on behalf of LSK in Kenya, Mr Mutua said his organisation would apply to be enjoined in the case in the UK on Thursday.
PUBLIC INTEREST
“We want to protect the interests of the public so that potential claimants are not locked out of the case,” he said.
Mr Whitehead added: “We want to make it easier for people to bring claims so that their rights are not prejudiced.”
More than 13,000 claimants have so far sought compensation from the British Government over mistreatment during the struggle for independence.
Mr Kamau said another 4,000 had written to his PK Kamau and Company Advocates seeking payment.
Mr Whitehead’s firm specialises in group litigation and has handled many major cases including that of a ship that sunk in Greece and one on bad cosmetic surgery.
Mr Whitehead is one of UK’s leading lawyers dealing with group litigation.
Mau Mau veterans excluded from the Sh2.6 billion payout from the British Government for atrocities committed during the colonial period started to register for fresh claims last year.
The registration, which was ordered by the British court, is being led by a British firm and targets 8,000 veterans. The Sh2.6 billion compensation only benefited 5,228 people.
