Lawyers across Kenya have today suspended participation in routine court proceedings as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) launches a nationwide boycott to demand reforms within the justice system.
The one-day action is aimed at pushing for stronger accountability measures, addressing concerns over delays in case handling and improving public confidence in the Judiciary.
LSK says the decision follows months of consultations with judicial authorities that did not result in sufficient action on issues raised by advocates.
LSK President Charles Kanjama said the protest is intended to send a strong message on the need for institutional reforms while allowing urgent legal services to continue.
“Lawyers are essential service providers, but that does not mean they cannot take industrial action. That is why our boycott is for one day, because we also have to consider the interests of the Kenyans we serve,” Kanjama said.
During the boycott, advocates are not participating in routine hearings or applications. However, LSK has clarified that lawyers can still file documents, initiate new cases and attend urgent matters involving interim orders, including requests for new dates or extensions.
The society says the action is protected under constitutional rights that allow citizens to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition, as well as provisions allowing collective action for a limited period.
As part of its wider protest strategy, LSK has identified a number of judges and judicial officers whose courts will face a targeted boycott. The society says the officers are linked to cases involving orders that halted disciplinary processes by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) or investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The judges listed by LSK include: Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Supreme Court judges Isaac Lenaola, Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung’u and Mohammed Ibrahim, Court of Appeal Judge Sankale Ole Kantai, Justice Lucy Waithaka, Justice Stella Atambo, Lady Justice Dora Chepkwony and Justice Josephine Mong’are
LSK maintains that the targeted action is aimed at promoting accountability and restoring public trust in the justice system, rather than undermining judicial independence.
The Judiciary has, however, maintained that all courts remain open and operational, with judicial officers continuing to handle matters in line with their constitutional mandate.
The standoff comes amid wider national debate on judicial accountability, institutional independence and reforms needed to strengthen Kenya’s justice system.
