Law Society of Kenya Accuses Judiciary of Delays and Failure to Reform
Lawyers across Kenya have launched a nationwide court boycott to protest alleged judicial corruption, delays and what they describe as failures within the country’s justice system.
The strike began on Wednesday, with members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) refusing to appear in courts across the country.
Lawyers Demand Judicial Reforms
LSK President Charles Kanjama said many lawyers had joined the boycott, which is aimed at pressuring the judiciary to address corruption and inefficiency.
Kenyan lawyers argue that court cases take too long to resolve, with many proceedings lasting an average of two years due to delays and administrative problems.
They say the situation has weakened public confidence in the justice system.
Calls to Boycott Specific Judges
Following the nationwide action, the LSK is pushing for a longer boycott targeting specific judges and magistrates accused of obstructing anti-corruption efforts and disciplinary reforms.
Among those named is Supreme Court Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi criticised the judiciary, saying legal professionals were frustrated with what he described as a lack of meaningful reform.
“As lawyers we are tired of a corrupt judiciary that refuses to reform itself,” he said.
Concerns Ahead of Election
Some legal experts have warned that problems within the judiciary could become a major issue during next year’s elections, particularly if disputes over political outcomes arise.
Former LSK president Eric Theuri said the judiciary’s credibility was at risk and questioned whether it could effectively handle future political disputes.
He argued that public trust in the courts had been seriously damaged by allegations of corruption and misconduct.
Magistrate Arrest Adds Pressure
The protest comes as Kenya’s anti-corruption agency announced the arrest of a magistrate accused of requesting a bribe to influence a criminal case.
The arrest has intensified calls from lawyers and civil society groups for stronger accountability measures within the justice system.
The government and judiciary have yet to respond fully to the boycott, while lawyers continue demanding reforms they say are necessary to restore confidence in Kenya’s courts.
