Also known as: JSC
Constitutional body responsible for judicial oversight, investigations, and discipline; facing criticism over handling of corruption complaints and court orders halting investigations.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
The Standard
… create the impression that lawful court orders can be overturned through a boycott, setting a dangerous precedent to the rule of law and thereby undermining the proper administration of justice," Kamotho states in the petition.The lawyer has named the Judicial Service Commission …
Lawyer seeks orders to suspend court boycottThe Standard
… onal boycott by advocates of our courts and a resolve to permanently boycott the proceedings by certain judicial officers, signified an extra-legal but very necessary measure in pushing for what has appeared untenable through the normal pipeline of the Judicial Service Commission …
It is time for Kenya to rethink judicial accountability designThe Standard
… SK) said courts presided over by Justices Lucas Naikuni and Anthony Abwayo were affected as the lawyers' decision not to appear before them entered its second day.LSK Mombasa branch chair Ms Natasha Errey said the two judges obtained orders barring the Judicial Service Commission …
Day two of lawyers boycottCapital News
… The LSK maintains that the boycott is intended to spotlight concerns over judicial accountability after the High Court suspended Judicial Service Commission (JSC) disciplinary proceedings involving several judicial officers. …
Commonwealth Lawyers Association backs LSK in Judiciary standoff, urges dialogueCapital News
… officers facing complaints are entitled to due process and called on Parliament to enact the Judicial Service (Processing of Petitions and Complaints Procedures) Regulations to provide a clear framework and timelines for handling complaints before the Judicial Service Commission …
KJWA urges LSK to drop targeted court boycott, as lawyers vow escalationCapital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 22 – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi following his arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations that he solicited a Sh170,000 bribe to influence the out …
JSC suspends Kangema magistrate after EACC arrest in Sh170,000 bribe schemeCitizen Digital
… Kanjama said the LSK Council, together with the Senior Counsel Bar, is scheduled to meet the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on July 31 to discuss the concerns that prompted the protest. …
Lawyers begin court boycott, mount pressure on Judicial accountabilityCapital News
NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 22 – Lawyers across Kenya will from Wednesday boycott court proceedings in protest against court orders that have halted the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from investigating misconduct complaints against judges. …
Lawyers Nationwide to Boycott Courts Over Orders Halting JSC Probes of JudgesThe Standard
… The boycott, set to begin this morning, marks the most aggressive action taken by Kenyan lawyers against serving judges and comes amid mounting pressure on Justice Koome, who also chairs the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). …
Kangema magistrate, probation officer arrested with Sh150,000 bribeThe Standard
… The Chief Justice, who also chairs the Judicial Service Commission, said the Judiciary maintains a policy of zero tolerance to corruption and expects judicial officers to embody the integrity they demand of others. …
Kangema Magistrate suspended after bribery arrest by EACCThe Judicial Service Commission has defended its judicial accountability record, saying it received 506 complaints against judges this year and has processed 417 of them, while warning that the Law Society of Kenya's planned boycott of selected courts risks disrupting access to justice.
21 hours ago · Capital News →
The Judicial Service Commission has defended its judicial accountability record, saying it received 506 complaints against judges this year and has processed 417 of them, while warning that the Law Society of Kenya's planned boycott of selected courts risks disrupting access to justice.
21 hours ago · Capital News →
Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has asked the High Court to stop the Law Society of Kenya from implementing a planned boycott of court proceedings before selected judicial officers, arguing the move is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and threatens access to justice.
22 hours ago · Capital News →
The Judicial Service Commission has criticized lawyers' boycott of judges and judicial officers, saying it disrupts court proceedings and delays justice. Following a meeting with the Law Society of Kenya and Senior Counsel Bar, JSC Chairperson Martha Koome stated that judicial conduct concerns should be addressed through constitutional mechanisms, and both parties agreed to work together against corruption and unethical conduct.
22 hours ago · Citizen Digital →
Macharia Njeru, the inaugural Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, alleged that William Ruto made direct threats to him during Ruto's time as Deputy President, warning of political fallout if IPOA did not comply with executive demands. Njeru's allegations add to recent accusations by former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u that President Ruto has systematically interfered with public institutions.
31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has filed in the High Court asking it to stop the Law Society of Kenya from boycotting court proceedings before selected judicial officers, arguing the move is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and violates Kenyans' right to access justice.
31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney General, and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission have urged the High Court to strike out a case filed by Kangema Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua seeking to block arrest and prosecution over a Sh150,000 bribe allegation, arguing he is trying to evade trial without showing his rights were violated.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →
Justice David Mburu declined an application to suspend the Law Society of Kenya's targeted boycott against Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and other judicial officers, deferring the matter to August 3, 2026 after a meeting between the JSC and LSK leadership began to attempt resolution.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Law Society of Kenya is defending its targeted boycott of selected judges and judicial officers, saying it will continue until the Judicial Service Commission addresses concerns about corruption, misconduct, and delays in handling complaints. LSK President Charles Kanjama said the action is intended to protect the long-term interests of litigants, lawyers, judges and the justice system, despite acknowledging concerns about impact on access to justice.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi and Senior Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu for allegedly soliciting a Sh170,000 bribe from a Murang'a businessman to influence a criminal case outcome. The EACC investigation found sufficient evidence for prosecution, and the DPP has directed the suspects be charged immediately.
28 July 2026 · Capital News →
An opinion piece argues that the standoff between Kenya's Judiciary and Law Society reflects deeper concerns about accountability and impartiality in the justice system, illustrated by public reaction to recent high-profile acquittals that has shaken confidence in the courts despite legal principles of presumption of innocence.
27 July 2026 · The Standard →
A city lawyer has filed a High Court petition seeking conservatory orders to suspend the Law Society of Kenya's targeted boycott of judges and judicial officers, arguing the action is unconstitutional, undermines judicial independence, and denies litigants access to justice.
27 July 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece argues that advocates' nationwide court boycott on July 22, 2026, demonstrated the need for urgent judicial reforms and suggests the Judicial Service Commission has proved an inadequate channel for accountability, prompting a deeper constitutional rethinking of the tension between judicial independence and accountability.
24 July 2026 · The Standard →
Lawyers in Mombasa and Kwale boycotted Environment and Lands Courts on the second day of their protest against Justices Lucas Naikuni and Anthony Abwayo, who obtained orders barring the Judicial Service Commission from conducting disciplinary action on them. The Law Society of Kenya said the boycott will continue until the judges' involvement in alleged illegal activities is addressed, though the action has left litigants stranded with delayed cases.
24 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association has backed the Law Society of Kenya's position in its standoff with the Judiciary, affirming the Society's right to hold the Judiciary accountable while urging dialogue and adherence to the rule of law. The dispute centers on LSK's court boycott over judicial accountability concerns, with the LSK accusing judges of penalizing lawyers and the Judges Welfare Association arguing the boycott undermines access to justice.
22 July 2026 · Capital News →
The Kenya Judges Welfare Association has urged the Law Society of Kenya to end its targeted boycott of selected courts, warning it undermines the rule of law and disrupts access to justice. The LSK has accused some judges of penalising advocates who honoured a nationwide court boycott, and says it will intensify its indefinite boycott of selected judges and magistrates while pursuing further action.
22 July 2026 · Capital News →
The Judicial Service Commission has suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi following his arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over allegations of soliciting a Sh170,000 bribe to influence a criminal case outcome. Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Judiciary has commenced disciplinary proceedings and pledged cooperation with investigators.
22 July 2026 · Capital News →
The Law Society of Kenya has reaffirmed its nationwide boycott of court proceedings, with President Charles Kanjama urging advocates to stay away from courts to mount pressure for greater accountability within the Judiciary. The LSK Council and Senior Counsel Bar are scheduled to meet the Judicial Service Commission on July 31 to discuss the concerns behind the protest.
22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Lawyers across Kenya are boycotting court proceedings from Wednesday in protest against court orders that have halted the Judicial Service Commission from investigating misconduct complaints against judges. The Law Society of Kenya is spearheading the nationwide action, arguing that the orders undermine judicial accountability and the JSC's constitutional oversight mandate.
22 July 2026 · Capital News →
Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate, and Julius Irungu, a Principal Probation Officer, both attached to Kangema Law Courts, were arrested by the EACC on Tuesday evening for allegedly soliciting and receiving Sh150,000 from a litigant in exchange for influencing a criminal case outcome through a favourable probation recommendation.
22 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Judiciary has suspended Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Mutegi of Kangema Law Courts following his arrest by the EACC over bribery allegations. Mutegi and Principal Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu were arrested after a businessman alleged they solicited and received a bribe; Sh150,000 in marked currency was recovered.
22 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association has appealed to the Law Society of Kenya to abandon its planned nationwide court boycott, arguing that withdrawing legal services would harm litigants rather than resolve judicial delays and inefficiencies. The Judiciary separately rejected the boycott and insisted all courts would remain open, urging advocates to address grievances through dialogue instead.
21 July 2026 · Capital News →
The Law Society of Kenya will boycott courts on July 22 as industrial action to tackle corruption and improve accountability in the Judiciary, with LSK President Charles Kanjama saying existing systems have failed to address corruption and misconduct among judicial officers.
21 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association has urged the Law Society of Kenya to reconsider its planned indefinite targeted boycott of court proceedings, set to begin Thursday over allegations of judicial misconduct and inefficiencies, warning that the action would primarily harm ordinary litigants seeking justice.
21 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Judiciary says court proceedings will not be disrupted by a planned boycott by lawyers opposing court orders that prevent the Judicial Service Commission from investigating misconduct cases against judges. The Law Society of Kenya announced lawyers would boycott courts on July 22 and target judges who obtained immunity orders.
20 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Judiciary has rejected the Law Society of Kenya's planned nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, stating that all courts will remain open and continue hearing cases as scheduled. The Judiciary said the boycott would primarily harm litigants and urged advocates to resolve grievances through dialogue.
20 July 2026 · Capital News →
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi claims High Court and Court of Appeal judges spend an average of just 54 days a year in court, citing judicial recesses, annual leave, and official travel as constraints. His remarks come as lawyers prepare a nationwide boycott over court delays and alleged inefficiencies, and contrast with the Judiciary's reported 104 per cent case clearance rate for 2024/25.
20 July 2026 · Capital News →
The Law Society of Kenya announced a countrywide court boycott for Wednesday, escalating its standoff with the judiciary over alleged persistent graft and misconduct. The Judicial Service Commission and other judicial bodies have countered by accusing the LSK of withholding information on its grievances.
20 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Judiciary has dismissed the Law Society of Kenya's planned nationwide boycott of court proceedings on July 22, 2026, insisting that all courts will remain open and operate normally, and arguing that the boycott is neither appropriate nor proportionate and would disadvantage litigants.
20 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Law Society of Kenya has named Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu among nine judges targeted in a court boycott scheduled for Thursday, July 23, in protest over allegations of judicial corruption, misconduct, and registry inefficiencies. The action will continue indefinitely until courts issue orders restraining the Judicial Service Commission, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
20 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Law Society of Kenya has called for a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, citing persistent concerns over corruption, case backlogs, and weak accountability within the judiciary. The LSK also resolved to launch an indefinite targeted boycott of courts presided over by judges who have obtained court orders barring the Judicial Service Commission or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission from investigating complaints against them.
18 July 2026 · Capital News →