NAIROBI, Kenya — The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, citing what it describes as persistent concerns over alleged corruption, delays in the administration of justice and inadequate judicial accountability.
The society said advocates across the country will stay away from courtrooms for one day in what it termed a lawful and proportionate protest intended to push for institutional reforms and restore public confidence in Kenya’s justice system.
In a statement to members signed by LSK President Charles Kanjama, the Council said the decision followed months of engagements with the Judiciary that had failed to produce meaningful progress on concerns repeatedly raised by advocates.
“The Society shall undertake a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, 22nd July, 2026, intended to emphasise the seriousness of the concerns raised by members and to call for meaningful institutional interventions that will restore confidence in the administration of justice,” Kanjama said.
Targeted Boycott of Some Judicial Officers
Beyond the one-day nationwide boycott, the LSK Council resolved to begin an indefinite targeted boycott of courts presided over by judges and judicial officers who have allegedly obtained court orders restraining the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from investigating or processing complaints lodged against them.
The society said the move is intended to reinforce accountability while safeguarding the integrity of the Judiciary.
According to LSK, advocates have consistently reported challenges affecting both legal practice and the delivery of justice despite years of consultations through Bar-Bench forums, memoranda and structured engagements with judicial leadership.
Among the issues cited are allegations of judicial misconduct and corruption, delays in hearing and determining cases, registry inefficiencies, recurring technological failures affecting the e-filing system, ineffective complaints-handling mechanisms, inconsistent case management and poor treatment of advocates by some judicial officers.
“Members have expressed concern over allegations of corruption, judicial misconduct, abuse of office and unethical conduct by some judicial officers, which continue to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice,” the statement said.
Independence Must Be Matched by Accountability
While reaffirming its support for judicial independence, the Law Society stressed that accountability and transparency are equally essential in maintaining confidence in the courts.
“Judicial independence must go hand-in-hand with accountability, integrity, transparency and responsiveness to legitimate concerns raised by court users and the Bar,” Kanjama said.
The society also announced plans to establish a confidential reporting mechanism through which advocates will periodically submit information regarding judicial performance, alleged misconduct, corruption, registry inefficiencies and delays in court processes.
According to LSK, the information will be verified before being used during structured engagements with the Judiciary and the JSC to support reforms aimed at strengthening institutional accountability.
Court Services to Continue in Limited Form
The society clarified that the boycott will not completely halt court operations.
LSK said advocates will continue filing pleadings and other court documents within statutory timelines to safeguard litigants’ rights.
Court mentions involving interim orders will also proceed solely for purposes of obtaining fresh hearing dates or extending interim orders where necessary to preserve the interests of parties.
Advocates appearing before judicial officers covered by the targeted boycott have been directed to seek adjournments, transfers of matters or the recusal of affected judges.
The society further resolved that judicial officers subject to the boycott should only deliver pending judgments and rulings and refrain from conducting new hearings until legal proceedings preventing disciplinary action are concluded.
The boycott will also extend to proceedings before the Supreme Court of Kenya, with the exception of registry services. LSK argued that all but one Supreme Court judge remain in office under court orders restraining the JSC from pursuing complaints lodged against them.
Constitutional and Legal Context
The announcement places renewed focus on the balance between judicial independence and accountability under Kenya’s constitutional framework.
Kanjama urged advocates nationwide to support the boycott, saying the action is intended to strengthen—not weaken—the justice system.
“Together, we will continue to uphold the rule of law, defend the independence of the legal profession and work towards a Judiciary that inspires the confidence of every Kenyan.”