LSK President Charles Kanjama addressed journalists in Kisumu on the continuing targeted court boycott.
The lawyers’ body says the boycott affects about 15 judicial officers and will remain in place pending progress on accountability measures agreed with the JSC.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has maintained its targeted court boycott over what it says are delayed judicial accountability reforms.
LSK President Charles Kanjama confirmed the position during a media briefing in Kisumu on Friday, September 25.
He said advocates should continue avoiding appearances before the targeted judges and judicial officers until further notice.
The directive remains active following the end of the judicial recess.
LSK Pushes for JSC Reforms
The society says several commitments reached with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on July 31 remain outstanding.
These include an electronic system for lodging and tracking complaints against judicial officers.
LSK also wants court-station integrity committees and regular reporting on judicial performance.
In addition, the society wants progress on pending petitions and the draft Disciplinary Process Regulations.
LSK said it will continue engaging the JSC while maintaining the targeted boycott.
About 15 Officers Affected
LSK says the boycott covers about 15 judicial officers, including six Supreme Court judges.
The society has not publicly named the affected officers in its latest communication.
Kanjama said the boycott should not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against the targeted officers.
He has instead linked the action to accountability concerns and ongoing processes involving judicial officers.
The boycott follows a nationwide court protest in July and a subsequent targeted action against specified officers.
High Court Challenge Continues
Meanwhile, the High Court has allowed a constitutional petition challenging LSK’s targeted boycott to proceed.
Justice David Mburu dismissed LSK’s preliminary objection in September.
The judge found that the dispute raised wider constitutional and public-interest questions beyond an internal disagreement between LSK and one of its members.
The petition challenges aspects of the boycott and its effect on advocates, litigants, judges and court users.
LSK has nevertheless maintained the directive as it continues discussions with the JSC and Judiciary.
LSK Targets Unqualified Practitioners
Separately, Kanjama raised concerns about people allegedly offering legal services without proper qualifications.
He said LSK was targeting individuals posing as advocates and lawyers practising without valid practising certificates.
The society said it will work with its branches and other institutions to identify such practitioners.
LSK said the effort aims to protect the public and uphold professional standards within Kenya’s legal sector.
