KMJA condemns harassment of Magistrate at Maua Law Courts

The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) has issued a statement of strong condemnation following disturbing scenes at the Maua Law Courts on October 30, during which a sitting Magistrate was reportedly harassed, her vehicle blocked, and inflammatory chants of “mwizi” (thief) directed at her by a group of advocates.

In a press statement issued on Friday, KMJA Secretary General Tom Mark Olando described the events as "a new and dangerous low" in the relationship between the Bar and the Bench.

The association also decried what it termed as cyberbullying by a section of advocates, involving misinformation and re-litigation on social media.

"This was not a peaceful protest, it was intimidation and incitement," the KMJA SG said. He pointed to the disruption of courts, ridicule of judicial officers, and defamatory placards all as meant to incite the public and dent confidence in the judiciary.

The association warned that the Maua incident is part of a growing trend of hostility against the Judiciary by advocates nationwide, involving threats, public vilification, and mob-like behavior.

"Such behaviour is a gross violation of professional conduct and an affront to the dignity of the court," the statement read.

KMJA further chided the advocates for bypassing established channels for dispute resolution mechanisms like the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Advocates Complaints Commission, and called for a return to professionalism and dialogue.

The bar association hailed members of the public for not succumbing to the anarchy and pledged to continue supporting the rule of law and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.