Kenyan Lawyers Protest Alleged Corruption in the Judiciary With Court Boycott

Updated by Faith N Ruhinda at 1238 EAT on Thursday 23 July 2026

Lawyers across Kenya on Wednesday boycotted court proceedings in protest against alleged corruption and a lack of accountability within the Judiciary, escalating pressure for reforms in a move that has attracted attention across East Africa.

The nationwide boycott, organised by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), saw advocates stay away from courts as they demanded stronger accountability mechanisms for judges and judicial officers.

The action comes amid growing debate over the integrity and independence of judicial institutions across the region. In neighbouring Uganda, concerns over lengthy court proceedings, the trial of civilians in military courts and allegations of politically motivated prosecutions have repeatedly drawn criticism from lawyers and civil society organisations.

Speaking outside the Supreme Court in Nairobi, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the boycott had been observed nationwide and urged advocates to remain united until their concerns were addressed.

He announced that the LSK Council and members of the Senior Counsel Bar would meet the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on July 31 to discuss reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and restoring public confidence in the Judiciary.
“The campaign for judicial accountability must be seen through to its conclusion,” Kanjama said.

The boycott marks one of the most significant protests by Kenya’s legal fraternity in recent years, highlighting growing demands for greater transparency, accountability and integrity within the country’s justice system.

Senior Counsel Philip Murgor said the legal fraternity had united behind the boycott, arguing that those entrusted with administering justice must themselves be held accountable.

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo criticised what she described as attempts to shield judges from disciplinary proceedings before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

“How can we trust our courts if they can stop JSC hearings against corrupt judges? Judicial independence does not mean judicial officers are above the law,” she said.
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi accused some judicial officers of perpetuating corruption and vowed that the boycott would continue until meaningful reforms were implemented.

Former LSK presidents Nelson Havi and Erick Theuri also endorsed the protest, calling for stronger oversight of judicial officers and urging Kenyans to support efforts to restore public confidence in the courts.

East Africa Law Society President Ramadhan Abubakar echoed the calls, stressing that accountability should apply equally to all arms of government.

“Just as the Judiciary holds the Executive and Legislature accountable, it must also be subject to scrutiny where legitimate concerns arise,” he said.

Abubakar also called on Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to thoroughly investigate allegations of corruption involving judges and magistrates
The boycott coincided with the arrest of Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi and Principal Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu by the EACC over allegations that they solicited a KSh170,000 (about Ush4.9 million) bribe from a businessman in exchange for a favourable probation report ahead of sentencing in a fraud case.

According to investigators, the pair were arrested after allegedly receiving KSh150,000 (about Ush4.3 million) in marked currency during a sting operation.
Following the arrests, Chief Justice Martha Koome suspended Mutegi from judicial duties and announced disciplinary proceedings.

“The allegations are grave and, if proved, constitute a serious violation of the law, the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the values that underpin the administration of justice,” Koome said.

She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, saying judicial officers could not be expected to uphold the law while engaging in criminal conduct.

Despite the boycott, Kenya’s Judiciary said courts remained operational, although some cases were adjourned after advocates failed to appear.

The LSK warned that it would escalate the industrial action if its July 31 meeting with the Judicial Service Commission fails to produce concrete commitments on judicial reforms.

-Observer

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