The Judiciary/ FILE
The Judiciary has assured Kenyans that courts across the country will remain open and proceedings will go on as scheduled on Wednesday, July 22, despite a nationwide boycott of court sessions called by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The assurance comes as a standoff between the Judiciary and the lawyers' body intensifies over allegations of judicial corruption, misconduct, registry inefficiencies and delays in the delivery of justice.
The LSK announced the boycott on July 18, saying advocates would suspend appearances before specified courts, judges and judicial officers in a bid to push for reforms and greater accountability within the justice system.
But the Judiciary has dismissed the planned action, arguing that it is neither an appropriate nor proportionate response to the concerns raised.
"The Judiciary assures the public that all courts throughout the Republic will remain open and will continue hearing and determining matters as scheduled on Wednesday, July 22, 2026," Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo said in a statement.
The institution warned that the boycott would hurt litigants the most by disrupting cases already scheduled for hearing and determination.
While acknowledging the issues raised by the LSK, the Judiciary said it remains committed to resolving them through dialogue. It noted that it has held at least five consultative meetings with the lawyers' body over the past two years to address challenges affecting the administration of justice.
Another meeting bringing together the Judicial Service Commission, the LSK and representatives of the Senior Counsel Bar has already been scheduled for July 31.
The Judiciary also defended the independence of judges, citing Article 160 of the Constitution, which provides that judges and judicial officers are subject only to the Constitution and the law and cannot be directed by any person or authority in the discharge of their duties.
On accountability, it urged anyone with complaints against judges or judicial officers to channel them through the Judicial Service Commission and the Office of the Judiciary Ombudsman, the bodies mandated to investigate misconduct and recommend disciplinary action.
In defending its recent performance, the Judiciary said it resolved 647,686 cases against 621,425 new filings during the 2024/2025 financial year, posting a 104 per cent case clearance rate and reducing the case backlog by 30 per cent.
