Court operations disrupted as Nakuru lawyers join nationwide boycott

Court operations at the Nakuru Law Courts were disrupted on Wednesday after advocates joined a nationwide boycott called by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), protesting what they described as persistent judicial impunity, corruption and lack of accountability within the Judiciary.

The industrial action, coordinated by the LSK National Office and implemented through branches across the country, saw lawyers stay away from court proceedings, case conferences and other judicial services in a coordinated push for reforms.

However, tensions escalated in Nakuru after a magistrate sitting in Court Four Faith Mutuku proceeded with court sessions and dismissed several matters despite the advocates' absence. 

The move prompted dozens of lawyers led by LSK Nakuru Chapter Chairperson Wangari Mwangi to storm the courtroom, demanding that the proceedings be halted in line with the nationwide boycott.

This boycott not only affected the professionals but also clients who had made their way to court expecting that their cases will proceed but were left stranded in court after no court sessions happened today.

While outside the Nakuru Law Courts, Wangari said the protest was aimed at compelling the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to address longstanding complaints against judicial officers and restore confidence in the administration of justice.

"For far too long, the Judiciary has gotten away with impunity. It has gotten away with corruption allegations and numerous complaints from members of the public and members of the Bar, yet no meaningful action has been taken," she said.

Wangari maintained that the boycott was not merely about advocates' welfare but was intended to safeguard the rights of Kenyans seeking justice.

"We are fighting everyone's war. We are standing up for advocates, but more importantly, we are standing up for members of the public whose faith in the justice system continues to decline for lack of accountability," she said.

She noted that advocates had been instructed not to attend court sessions or participate in any court-related activities throughout the day and had expected judicial officers to respect the nationwide strike. Instead, she said, the decision by a magistrate to dismiss cases demonstrated the very impunity that advocates were protesting against.

The Nakuru Chapter announced that it would formally petition the Judicial Service Commission to transfer the presiding magistrate, accusing the judicial officer of undermining the boycott and disregarding the concerns raised by the legal profession.

"If judicial officers cannot appreciate why advocates have taken this stand, then it raises serious questions about respect for the rule of law and accountability within the institution," Wangari said.

She further alleged that some judicial officers frustrate disciplinary processes by obtaining court orders that halt investigations into complaints lodged before the JSC.

"Whenever complaints are lodged, they rush to court, obtain orders from colleagues and friends, and investigations are stopped. That is the cycle we want to end," she said.

Wangari warned that advocates were prepared to intensify their action should their grievances remain unresolved.