Lsk Warns Of Action Against Judges And Judicial Officers Accused Of Undermining Court Boycott
News Updated: 22 July 2026 15:29 EAT
Photo Courtesy
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has warned that it will take action against judges and judicial officers accused of frustrating its ongoing nationwide court boycott by penalising advocates who stayed away from court proceedings in line with the society's directive.
LSK President Charles Kanjama said the society had received reports from advocates across the country alleging that some judicial officers dismissed cases, imposed adjournment fees and took other punitive measures against lawyers who honoured the boycott. He said the society was documenting the incidents and would pursue appropriate action against those found to have acted improperly.
The boycott was called by the LSK to protest what it describes as persistent challenges within the Judiciary, including alleged corruption, delayed delivery of judgments and rulings, registry inefficiencies, technological failures affecting the e-filing system and a lack of accountability for judicial misconduct.
According to the LSK, the society had formally notified the Judiciary and court registries in advance of the industrial action, arguing that advocates had a constitutional right to participate in lawful collective action without facing sanctions or adverse consequences.
Kanjama said the LSK was verifying complaints submitted by members before deciding on the next course of action. He noted that disciplinary complaints against judicial officers before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) remain among the options available if evidence confirms that advocates were unfairly penalised.
The society also maintained that advocates should not be punished through dismissal of cases, adverse orders or financial penalties for participating in a boycott that had been publicly communicated and organised by their professional body.
The nationwide boycott followed an LSK resolution directing advocates to withdraw from court proceedings as part of efforts to push for reforms in the administration of justice. The society argued that previous engagements with the Judiciary had not adequately addressed longstanding concerns raised by members.
Among the reforms being sought are stronger accountability mechanisms for judicial officers, improved efficiency in handling cases, faster delivery of judgments and better management of court registries and digital services.
The LSK has also resolved to begin targeted boycotts of courts presided over by judges and judicial officers who have obtained court orders restraining investigations by oversight agencies, arguing that such actions undermine accountability within the justice system.
The Judiciary has maintained that all courts remain operational despite the boycott and urged advocates, litigants and members of the public to continue attending scheduled court sessions. It stated that disputes concerning judicial conduct should be addressed through constitutional and statutory mechanisms rather than through disruption of court proceedings.
The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association also appealed for dialogue, saying continued engagement between the Bench and the Bar would better serve the interests of litigants and preserve public confidence in the administration of justice.
Despite the differing positions, the LSK insists the boycott is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and securing meaningful reforms that promote transparency, accountability and efficiency within the Judiciary.
Tags: Signs Media Kenya Limited Signstvkenya Article Editor's Pick Editors choice Law Society Of Kenya Lsk LSK News Article Signs Signs Media Signsmedia Signstv
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD