Judiciary urges lawyers to end judges' boycott after meeting with LSK

In a statement issued after a consultative meeting with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Senior Counsel Bar (SCB), the Commission's Chairperson Martha Koome stated that while concerns about judicial conduct should be addressed, they must be handled through the mechanisms provided under the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act. 

The remarks come days after the LSK announced a targeted boycott of several judges and judicial officers over alleged misconduct.

Koome noted that both the Commission and LSK agreed to work together to curb corruption and unethical conduct within the Judiciary and legal profession. 

The JSC defended its disciplinary record, revealing that it has received 506 petitions and complaints against judges and judicial officers this year, of which 417 have already been processed.

It said the remaining cases are at different stages of investigation, including hearings and responses from the affected officers. 

The Commission maintained that all complaints are handled independently, fairly and in accordance with the law.

"Since 2011, the Commission has recommended the removal of ten Judges from office and recommended the appointment of constitutional tribunals to investigate their conduct," the statement read in part. 

"Of these, four Judges were subsequently removed from office. These outcomes demonstrate the Commission’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that judges and judicial officers uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability."

As part of efforts to improve accountability, the JSC said it has developed the Judicial Service (Petition for Removal of a Judge) (Procedure) Regulations, 2026, which is currently before Parliament. The regulations are expected to provide a clearer process for handling petitions seeking the removal of judges.