Kenyan lawyers stage nationwide court boycott over alleged judicial corruption

On 22 July 2024, lawyers across Kenya, coordinated by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), boycotted court hearings for a day to protest what they describe as entrenched judicial corruption, chronic delays and a culture of impunity.

LSK President Charles Kanjama said the boycott saw overwhelming compliance and follows months of failed talks with the judiciary. He urged lawyers to seek adjournments, case transfers or recusal of judges and magistrates accused of using court orders to block disciplinary and anti‑corruption investigations.

Prominent lawyers, including Ahmednasir Abdullahi, voiced frustration: “We are fed up with a corrupt justice that refuses to reform.” Former LSK presidents Faith Odhiambo and Nelson Havi backed the action, emphasizing that judicial independence must be paired with transparency and public trust.

The protest coincided with the arrest of a magistrate suspected of accepting a bribe, and the LSK indicated it will target officials such as Supreme Court President Martha Koome who are alleged to have interfered with anti‑corruption probes.