Lawyers begin court boycott, mount pressure on Judicial accountability

Speaking on Wednesday outside the Supreme Court, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the boycott was being observed across the country and encouraged all members to continue complying with the directive.

Kanjama said the LSK Council, together with the Senior Counsel Bar, is scheduled to meet the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on July 31 to discuss the concerns that prompted the protest.

He maintained that the society would continue pushing for reforms, saying the campaign for judicial accountability must be seen through to its conclusion.

Senior Counsel Philip Murgor backed the boycott, saying members of the legal profession had rallied behind the call for accountability within the Judiciary. He said those entrusted with dispensing justice must also be held accountable for their actions.

“How can we trust our court if they can stop JSC hearing against corrupt judges and their own accountability. Their independence does not mean that they are above the law,” said former LSK president Faith Odhiambo.

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi accused some judicial officers of perpetuating corruption, saying the boycott would continue until alleged corrupt practices within the courts are addressed.

Former LSK President Nelson Havi also called for complaints previously filed before the Judicial Service Commission against judicial officers to be reconsidered afresh. 

He faulted Chief Justice Martha Koome for what he described as a failure to engage concerns raised by members of the Bar, insisting the boycott would continue.

LSK former President Erick Theuri said the protest was in the public interest, arguing that judicial accountability is essential to safeguarding constitutional governance. He called on Kenyans to support the push for reforms within the Judiciary.

East Africa Law Society President Ramadhan Abubakar also declared support for the boycott, saying accountability should apply equally to all arms of government. 

He argued that just as the courts hold the Executive and Legislature accountable, the Judiciary must also be subjected to oversight where concerns arise.

Abubakar further called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate allegations of corruption involving judges and magistrates.

As the boycott continues, Chief Justice Martha Koome is out of the country, therefore unavailable to respond directly to the lawyers' demands. The LSK leadership maintained that it would instead engage JSC when the two sides meet on July 31.

The lawyers warned that they are prepared to escalate their protests if the boycott does not yield the desired response. 

Meanwhile, the Judiciary has maintained that courts remain operational despite the boycott, with judicial officers continuing to hear matters as scheduled, although some cases have been adjourned due to the absence of advocates.