The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, citing persistent concerns over the administration of justice, judicial accountability, corruption allegations, and operational inefficiencies within the Judiciary.
In a statement signed by LSK President Charles Kanjama, the Society said it had, since assuming office, engaged extensively with the Judiciary through meetings with the Chief Justice, Bar-Bench consultations, memoranda and stakeholder engagements. However, it said many of the concerns raised by advocates remain unresolved.
Among the key issues cited are allegations of judicial corruption and misconduct, delays in hearing and determining cases, registry inefficiencies, weak complaint-handling mechanisms by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), inconsistent case management, poor treatment of advocates in court, disruptions to the Judiciary’s e-filing system, and concerns over the transition of the Judiciary’s Pro Bono and Pauper Briefs Scheme to the National Legal Aid Service (NLAS).
The Council said judicial independence must be accompanied by accountability, transparency and responsiveness, adding that where sustained engagement fails to produce meaningful reforms, the Society has a constitutional and statutory obligation to take lawful action.
The LSK Council resolved to continue structured engagement with the Judicial Service Commission to push for reforms, establish a confidential framework for advocates to report judicial misconduct, corruption, delays and registry inefficiencies and strengthen the Society’s capacity to document and investigate complaints against judicial officers.
It will involve LSK branches in collecting structured feedback from members and advancing institutional reforms.
The Society will implement a one-day nationwide boycott of all court proceedings on July 22, 2026 and an indefinite targeted boycott of courts presided over by judges and judicial officers who have obtained court orders blocking investigations or disciplinary processes by the JSC or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
LSK described the boycott as a lawful and proportionate form of collective action aimed at advocating for judicial accountability and reforms while safeguarding access to justice.
During the boycott advocates will not participate in court hearings except for mentions to obtain new hearing dates or extend interim orders where necessary.
Court filings will continue as normal to ensure compliance with statutory timelines.
Members will submit confidential feedback through a secure reporting platform on judicial performance and court operations.
Advocates appearing before judges covered by the targeted boycott are expected to request adjournments, transfers of cases or recusal where appropriate.
The targeted boycott will also apply to hearings before the Supreme Court, except for registry services, because, according to the LSK, all but one Supreme Court judge remain in office under court orders restraining the JSC from processing complaints against them.
The Society said the directives take effect immediately and will remain in force until varied or withdrawn by the Council.
There was no immediate comment from the judiciary.
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