LSK Defends Nationwide Court Boycott, Says Action Necessary to Restore Accountability in Judiciary
News Updated: 21 July 2026 13:15 EAT
Photo courtesy: LSK President Charles Kanjama
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has defended its planned nationwide boycott of court proceedings set for Wednesday, July 22, saying the action is a necessary response to persistent concerns over corruption, misconduct and inefficiencies within the Judiciary. LSK President Charles Kanjama said the decision followed extensive but unsuccessful engagements with judicial leadership aimed at addressing the grievances raised by advocates across the country.
Speaking ahead of the boycott, Kanjama said the legal profession could no longer remain silent as allegations of corruption, abuse of office, delayed rulings, registry inefficiencies and weak accountability mechanisms continue to undermine the administration of justice. He argued that the Judiciary's credibility depends not only on its independence but also on its willingness to address misconduct and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
The one-day boycott will see advocates refrain from appearing in court for hearings nationwide, although the Society has clarified that lawyers will continue filing pleadings and other court documents to ensure compliance with statutory deadlines. Matters involving urgent interim orders or procedural mentions may proceed only where necessary to preserve the rights of litigants or secure fresh hearing dates.
In addition to the nationwide action, the LSK has announced an indefinite boycott of courts presided over by judges and judicial officers who have obtained court orders blocking investigations or disciplinary proceedings by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The Society argues that such orders hinder accountability and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
According to the LSK, advocates have consistently raised concerns over prolonged delays in the delivery of judgments, inconsistent case management, recurring failures of the Judiciary's electronic filing system, poor handling of complaints against judicial officers and discourteous treatment of lawyers and litigants in some courts. The Society says these issues have persisted despite repeated consultations with the Judiciary through Bar-Bench meetings and formal memoranda.
Kanjama maintained that the boycott is not an attack on the Judiciary or the principle of judicial independence, but rather a call for meaningful reforms that will strengthen the institution. He said accountability, transparency and professionalism are essential pillars of an effective justice system and must be upheld alongside judicial independence.
As part of its reform agenda, the LSK plans to establish a confidential reporting mechanism through which advocates can submit verified complaints relating to judicial conduct, registry operations and case management. The information will be used to support structured engagement with the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission on institutional reforms.
The Judiciary has, however, opposed the planned boycott, maintaining that all courts across the country will remain open and continue handling matters as scheduled. Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo said the institution remains committed to dialogue and cautioned that any disruption of court proceedings would primarily affect litigants seeking justice, while reaffirming the Judiciary's commitment to improving service delivery and addressing legitimate concerns through established mechanisms.
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FELIX MAKONA
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