LSK slammed over push to transfer Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti

Civil society organisations and women’s groups in Busia have criticised the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Busia Chapter for demanding the transfer of Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti.

The groups, led by Mary Makokha, Francis Namuzi, and Maurine Ayodi, accused local lawyers of targeting the magistrate because of her stance against corruption and court cartels.

According to the groups, Nyaloti has helped reduce cases of gender-based violence and child abuse by holding perpetrators accountable, while also taking a firm stand against corruption and lawyers exploiting such cases for financial gain.

The standoff stems from a resolution passed by Busia advocates on August 14, 2025, where they agreed not to take up or proceed with any matter before Court No. 1, presided over by Nyaloti, until she is transferred.

In a notice issued on 15 August 2025, the LSK Busia Chapter stated: “Effective Monday 18th August 2025, no advocate shall take up, handle or proceed with any matter before Edna Nyaloti, Chief Magistrate, Court No. 1 until she is transferred.”

The lawyers cited security concerns raised by the magistrate as justification for their boycott. Still, civil society groups dismissed the move as an attempt to frustrate a judicial officer committed to integrity.

In a letter to the LSK Busia Branch earlier this month, she warned: “One Michael Noah Wandera, who is suspected to be working with a law firm, was arrested for soliciting and receiving Ksh.10,000… with a promise that he would facilitate the withdrawal of a case before Court No. 5.”

Two individuals were also expelled from the courts following resolutions of the Court Users Committee (CUC) held on 24 July 2025.

A circular dated July 28, 2025, signed by Magistrate Nyaloti, barred Dismas Osigwary, identified as a “professional surety popularly known as Bond Officer,” from standing surety after being accused of charging between Ksh.150,000 and Ksh. 300,000 to secure bonds.

Another notice dated July 29 2025, declared Maureen Ogola a broker posing as a mediator, advocate, and even a DCI officer.

“Maureen Ogola is not an employee of the Judiciary, and neither is she a mediator. She is not allowed within the court premises or registries,” the circular read.

Civil society organisations have now urged Chief Justice Martha Koome and the national leadership of the LSK to intervene and investigate the Busia branch lawyers.

“We are asking the CJ and LSK to step in and weed out quacks who are jeopardising residents’ access to justice,” said Francis Namuzi.

Despite the boycott notice, a spot check by Citizen Digital found that court matters continued before Court No. 1, with some advocates present during mentions and hearings.