The newly elected Council of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has outlined a four-point framework aimed at strengthening constitutionalism, judicial accountability, and the protection of the rule of law as it assumes office.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 14, 2026, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the council is taking office “at a moment of acute constitutional stress,” adding that the society’s core mandate as the statutory guardian of the rule of law will guide its work.
“As the statutory guardian of the rule of law, the LSK affirms the central commitment that will define our tenure: to defend the constitutional order against all threats, whether arising from corruption, violence, or institutional decay,” Kanjama said.
He also congratulated judges recently appointed to the High Court and the Environment and Land Court.
The LSK called for stronger ethical standards within the Judiciary, including urging judges facing serious corruption allegations and court orders suspending investigations to voluntarily step aside pending conclusion of probes.
The society also cautioned against the use of transfers to manage alleged incompetence or corruption among judicial officers.
“We unequivocally reject the practice of using transfers to manage incompetence or corruption. Every part of Kenya deserves judicial officers of integrity and competence,” the statement reads.
LSK further urged the Judiciary to enhance transparency in administrative decisions, including the publication of all judicial transfers and the reasons behind them, to strengthen public confidence.
Four-Point Reform Framework
The council outlined four key priority areas, including:
- sustained public focus on judicial integrity;
- establishment within 30 days of a confidential advocate feedback mechanism for reporting concerns to be escalated to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) under Article 168;
- strategic litigation aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability frameworks; and
- participation as an interested party in cases where prima facie evidence of misconduct exists.
Kanjama said the credibility of the Judiciary is closely tied to the integrity of JSC nomination processes, noting concerns over alleged undue influence in judicial appointments.
“Merit-based selection is the foundation of judicial independence,” he said, calling on the JSC to address allegations transparently and reinforce safeguards against external influence.
LSK also raised concerns over the recent degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station infrastructure, stating that all state actions must comply with constitutional and legal standards.
The society demanded a transparent explanation of the authorisation process, accountability for any breach of due process or court orders, and protection of affected parties’ rights.
The council further condemned recent incidents in which “goons and reportedly law enforcement officers” disrupted a lawful political gathering.
Political violence, whether by civilians or state actors, was described as “antithetical to constitutional democracy.”
LSK called for independent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators including police officers where implicated, and reforms within the National Police Service, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
It also urged the development of clear guidelines governing police conduct during political events and stronger accountability mechanisms for violence linked to political activities.
The society expressed concern over the safety of advocates, citing incidents of abduction and intimidation.
“Advocates must be able to discharge their duties without fear of violence, intimidation or abduction,” the statement said, calling for stronger protections for legal practitioners.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, the LSK urged eligible Kenyans to register as voters, describing civic participation as central to democracy.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires citizen participation,” Kanjama said, adding that the society will support civic education initiatives to encourage voter registration and engagement.
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