The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Lawyers across the country on Wednesday stayed away from court hearings after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) launched a one-day nationwide boycott to protest what it described as persistent administrative challenges and accountability concerns within the Judiciary.
Under the industrial action, advocates did not participate in court hearings or applications. However, they continued filing court documents, while mentions and matters involving interim orders proceeded only for the purpose of obtaining new hearing dates or extending existing court orders.
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The boycott, led by LSK President Charles Kanjama, follows growing dissatisfaction among advocates over what the society says are ongoing administrative inefficiencies and declining judicial accountability.
Several prominent lawyers, including Nelson Havi, Philip Murgor, Ndegwa Njiru and Ahmednasir Abdullahi, were present as the boycott took effect.
According to the LSK, it has held at least five formal meetings with the Judiciary over the past two years to discuss concerns affecting the administration of justice. The society, however, says the engagements have produced little meaningful progress, leading to strained relations between lawyers and the Judiciary.
The society also cited court orders obtained by some judges and judicial officers that reportedly prevent the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from investigating corruption and misconduct complaints against them.
LSK argues that the orders shield judicial officers from accountability and hinder efforts to investigate allegations of misconduct.
Despite the boycott, the Judiciary maintained that all courts across the country remained open and continued operating as scheduled, allowing litigants to proceed with their matters, including representing themselves where necessary.
In a statement, the Judiciary reiterated that court services would continue uninterrupted throughout the day.
The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) also acknowledged the concerns raised by the Law Society but appealed for continued dialogue instead of industrial action.
The association said engagement between the Judiciary and the legal profession remains the best avenue for resolving disputes and strengthening cooperation in the administration of justice.
The Judiciary further noted that another consultative meeting involving the Judicial Service Commission, the Law Society of Kenya Council and representatives of the Senior Counsel Bar has been scheduled for July 31, 2026, to discuss the outstanding issues.
