Judiciary assures normal court proceedings ahead of lawyers boycott

The Law Society of Kenya announced that lawyers will boycott court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, before undertaking targeted boycotts against judges and judicial officers who obtained the immunity orders against investigations from JSC and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

In a rejoinder, the Judiciary considered the planned boycott as inappropriate, noting that the move will prejudice litigants and other court users whose matters are scheduled for hearing.

It added that agitation for accountability among judges and judicial officers should be done according to the law, and appropriate action will be taken where misconduct is established.

"Public accusations, however serious, cannot substitute for a fair investigation or displace the constitutional and statutory procedures established for addressing complaints. The rule of law demands fairness both to court users and to those entrusted with the administration of justice," the Judiciary noted.

The Judiciary therefore welcomed LSK to abandon the boycott and engage in a constructive dialogue to address legitimate concerns and strengthen the administration of justice. 

Meanwhile, it asserted that all courts throughout the country will remain open and will continue hearing and determining matters as scheduled.

LSK said that the boycott was prompted by sustained engagement with the Judiciary, JSC, and members of the Bar, where advocates raised concerns on judicial accountability, delays in the administration of justice, registry inefficiencies, case management, the working environment for advocates, and the overall efficiency and integrity of the justice system.

It urged all advocates to support the boycott in solidarity as it pushes its pursuit of a transparent justice system.