LSK Boycotts Court Sessions Nationwide Over Judicial Accountability Concerns

By Violet  Kerubo

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on Wednesday launched a nationwide boycott of court proceedings, with advocates staying away from courts across the country in protest against what they described as growing concerns over corruption, misconduct and lack of accountability within the Judiciary.

Led by LSK President and Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, the society announced the boycott at the Supreme Court in Nairobi, saying the action would continue until its grievances are addressed. The lawyers maintained that advocates must be allowed to carry out their professional duties without intimidation, interference or undue influence, and called for stronger protection of legal practitioners in the execution of their work.

The advocates said the protest is aimed at demanding greater integrity, transparency and accountability from judicial officers. They argued that while judicial independence is a cornerstone of Kenya’s constitutional order, it should not be used as a shield for corruption or unethical conduct. According to the society, allegations of corruption, poor performance and professional misconduct by some judicial officers have eroded public confidence in the administration of justice.

LSK leaders also expressed concern over what they termed a decline in the rule of law, citing the recent rise in politically linked violence and the use of gangs to disrupt public activities as evidence that constitutional safeguards are under strain. They said respect for the law must apply equally to the Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary, insisting that no institution or individual should be above the law.

The society appealed to members of the public and the media to support its campaign, describing the boycott as a stand for the country’s justice system rather than the interests of lawyers alone. It thanked advocates across Kenya who heeded the call to stay away from court, saying the action demonstrates the profession’s commitment to defending the Constitution and the rule of law.

LSK vowed to sustain the boycott until meaningful reforms are undertaken and its concerns are addressed, maintaining that judicial accountability and integrity must remain the foundation of an independent and credible Judiciary. The lawyers said their actions are intended to safeguard public confidence in the justice system and ensure that the principles of fairness, accountability and constitutional governance are upheld.