The President of the Lawyer’s Society, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, has revealed that Faith M.A. Odhiambo, President of the Kenya Law Society and keynote speaker for the society’s annual dinner, did not attend in person due to threats and intimidation by Sierra Leone’s Acting Ambassador to Kenya.

He added that the guest speaker opted to deliver her address virtually instead of attending in person after the Acting Ambassador warned her that her safety in Sierra Leone would not be guaranteed.

Speaking in an interview with AYV, Marrah disclosed that the guest speaker informed him that Sierra Leone’s Acting Ambassador to Kenya had warned her that her safety would not be guaranteed if she traveled to the country.

The ambassador reportedly stated that he had been instructed by the Secretary to the President to relay this message.Concerned about the gravity of the situation, the Kenyan law Society President requested to speak directly with Sierra Leone’s Attorney General (AG) to verify whether this was the official position of the government.

Marrah explained that after engaging the AG on the matter, the minister assured him that the government had no such position and even expressed willingness to personally assure the keynote speaker that her safety would not be in jeopardy.

However, the Kenyan lawyer was reportedly hesitant and requested written confirmation of the government’s stance, given the seriousness of the alleged threats.

Unfortunately, according to Marrah, the AG did not provide the requested written assurance, leading the keynote speaker to decide against traveling to Sierra Leone.

Marrah further disclosed that the Acting Ambassador also told the Kenyan Law Society President that she was being influenced by a group of opposition lawyers in Sierra Leone who were allegedly seeking to incite political unrest.

The revelation has raised concerns about diplomatic conduct and the potential impact of such incidents on Sierra Leone’s international reputation