The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, citing concerns over judicial accountability, corruption, and alleged misconduct within the justice system.
Speaking during an LSK meeting in Machakos, LSK President and Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama said the action is aimed at pushing for urgent reforms to strengthen accountability and improve the administration of justice.
“We deem it necessary to undertake a boycott to emphasize the seriousness of concerns raised by members and to call for meaningful institutional interventions,” Kanjama said.
The boycott will take two forms. The first will be a one-day nationwide boycott on July 22, during which advocates will refrain from participating in court hearings and applications.
The second will involve an indefinite targeted boycott of specific courts presided over by judges and judicial officers who have obtained court orders preventing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from processing corruption allegations against them.
Kanjama said the success of the measures depends on the cooperation of advocates across the country.
He noted that the LSK Council had held several engagements with the Chief Justice to address concerns raised by members but had not achieved the desired progress.
The issues cited by the society include corruption, judicial misconduct, abuse of office, case backlogs, frequent adjournments, and delays in delivery of rulings and judgments.
“Where sustainable engagement does not yield adequate progress, the Council has a statutory duty to take lawful action,” Kanjama said.
He emphasized that while the LSK remains committed to protecting judicial independence, such independence must be accompanied by accountability, integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to concerns raised by court users.
As part of its resolutions, the society plans to establish a structured and confidential mechanism through which advocates can report concerns relating to judicial performance, misconduct, registry challenges, and delays in court processes.
Kanjama called on LSK branches countrywide to support the resolutions by creating awareness among members, collecting feedback, and coordinating local engagements.
The society said it will continue pursuing dialogue with the Judiciary while proceeding with the planned boycott.
By Anne Kangero
