Out of order! LSK questions conduct of five Nakuru courts, threaten boycott

The Law Society of Kenya Nakuru Chapter has raised concerns over the conduct of several courts within the Nakuru Law Courts.

In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Martha Koome, the Chair of the Nakuru Chapter, Wangari Mwangi, says that over the past several months, the conduct, efficiency, and professionalism of Chief Magistrate’s Court No. 1 Hon. Elizabeth Juma, Court No. 2 Hon. Bildad Ochieng, Court No. 5 Aloyce Ndege, Court No. 14 Hon. Liza Akoth, and High Court No. 4 Justice Patricia Gichohi have been subject to widespread and consistent complaints from advocates practicing in this jurisdiction.

“There have been persistent delays in the handling of certificates of urgency before High Court 4 and Court 5. Additionally, there is the issuance of far-off ruling dates given in the month of November in simple applications by High Court 4,” says the Chairperson.

Ms. Wangari raised concerns over the persistent delays in the delivery of rulings and judgments without justification, especially before Court 1 and Court No. 2, dating way back.

“Litigants and advocates face disrespect and unprofessional treatment in High Court 4, Court 14, and Court 5. There is also a delay in signing decrees, warrants, and grants,” she says.

The LSK Chair also raises concerns over the practice status of Hon. Bildad Ochieng.

“There is the issue over the unexplained practice status of Hon. Bildad Ochieng, where we seek to understand what action is being taken to address the same, seeing that he is taking up new matters despite his practice status being put into question,” she notes.

She says that they have tried other avenues, including dialogue and engagement through proper channels; however, no meaningful or sustainable reforms have been implemented.

“We are currently requesting to have operations in the mentioned courts suspended forthwith, pending a comprehensive review of the conduct and performance of the judicial officers in charge of those courts,” she says.

She concludes by saying, “In the unfortunate event no decisive action is taken within seven days, the advocates of the Nakuru Chapter will resolve to boycott all proceedings in the named courts until further notice. We are available for further engagement and hope for a prompt, resolute intervention.”