Kenya Minute.
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Kenyan press · Organization

Judicial Service Commission

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.

2026-04-242026-08-01

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. The Standard

    Laziness is a menace that must be dealt with by the Judicial Service Commission, largely on its own motion as per the constitutional mandate.On the second issue, the judicial officers are prone to simply stating that at the end of the day, all rulings and judgments coming up will

    Judiciary must make its e-filing portal reliable to reduce delays
  3. The Standard

    The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) bid to ensure individual judges’ accountability by publishing their output will not pass without a battle.

    JSC, Chief Justice sued in row over move to publish individual judges' performance
  4. Citizen Digital

    PHOTO | COURTESY Audio By Vocalize A petition has been filed at the High Court seeking to stop the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from publishing individual performance data of judges and judicial officers, arguing that the move threatens judicial independence and lacks a lega

    Petition filed to block JSC from publishing judges' performance data
  5. June 2026
  6. Capital News

    The appointment was announced through a Gazette Notice and takes effect from June 4, 2026. “In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 172 (1) (b) (i) and (c) of the Constitution and section 39 (2) (a) of the Political Parties Act, the Judicial Service Commission appoints Inn

    Innocent Muganda Named Political Parties Disputes Tribunal Chair
  7. Citizen Digital

    In a letter copied to the Judicial Service Commission, EABL argues that several cases raising similar issues have been filed in different courts despite earlier attempts to stop the deal from being dismissed.

    EABL seeks CJ Koome's intervention over lawsuits challenging Asahi takeover deal
  8. Citizen Digital

    In a letter copied to the Judicial Service Commission, EABL argues that several cases raising similar issues have been filed in different courts despite earlier attempts to stop the deal from being dismissed.

    EABL seeks CJ Koome's intervention over lawsuits challenging Asahi takeover deal
  9. Citizen Digital

    ges over conduct in Safaricom shares sale case By Dzuya Walter June 24, 2026 06:45 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize A businessman has filed a petition before the Judicial Service Commission

    Businessman seeks removal of three Court of Appeal judges over conduct in Safaricom shares sale case
  10. Citizen Digital

    ges over conduct in Safaricom shares sale case By Dzuya Walter June 24, 2026 06:45 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize A businessman has filed a petition before the Judicial Service Commission

    Businessman seeks removal of three Court of Appeal judges over conduct in Safaricom shares sale case
  11. The Standard

    Independence requires, as a natural feature, high standards of judicial integrity and commitment to participate without undue fetters in the Judicial Service Commission JSC disciplinary processes.

    Disregard of court orders is impunity and we must resist it
  12. Capital News

    NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 14 — Former LSK President Nelson Havi has called for the disbandment and reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), arguing that sweeping reforms are necessary to restore public confidence in Kenya’s justice system amid heightened scrutiny of the

    Havi calls for disbandment of JSC, vetting of judges every 10 years under new law

Yesterday

  1. JSC defends accountability record, opposes LSK court boycott

    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

  2. Chief Magistrate seeks court order to block LSK boycott

    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

  3. JSC urges lawyers to end judicial boycott after LSK meeting

    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

  4. Ex-IPOA boss claims Ruto threatened him over police watchdog independence

    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

  5. Chief Magistrate Atambo seeks court order to halt LSK boycott

    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

  6. DPP, AG, EACC urge court to dismiss Kangema magistrate's prosecution block bid

    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

  7. High Court declines to suspend Law Society boycott

    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

  8. Law Society of Kenya maintains judges' boycott over judicial integrity

    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

Tuesday 28 July

  1. DPP approves bribery charges against Kangema magistrate and probation officer

    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

Monday 27 July

  1. Judiciary-Law Society standoff reflects public distrust in justice system

    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

  2. Lawyer petitions High Court to halt LSK's judicial boycott

    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

Friday 24 July

  1. Kenya must rethink judicial accountability within constitutional design

    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

  2. Lawyers boycott courts in Mombasa and Kwale on day two

    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

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Commonwealth Lawyers Association supports LSK in Judiciary dispute

    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

  2. Judges urge LSK to end targeted court boycott amid escalating dispute

    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

  3. JSC suspends Kangema magistrate after EACC bribe arrest

    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

  4. Law Society of Kenya maintains court boycott for judicial accountability

    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

  5. Kenyan lawyers boycott courts over JSC investigation halts

    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

  6. Senior magistrate and probation officer arrested for Sh150,000 bribe

    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

  7. Senior magistrate suspended following EACC bribery arrest

    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

Tuesday 21 July

  1. KMJA urges LSK to reconsider nationwide court boycott

    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

  2. LSK planning one-day court boycott to fight judicial corruption

    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

  3. Judges urge LSK to suspend planned court boycott, pursue dialogue

    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

Monday 20 July

  1. Judiciary says court operations normal despite planned lawyers boycott

    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

  2. Judiciary defies LSK boycott, keeps courts open Wednesday

    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

  3. Senior Counsel claims High Court judges sit only 54 days yearly

    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

  4. Law Society calls countrywide court boycott over judiciary graft

    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

  5. Judiciary rejects LSK's planned one-day court boycott

    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

  6. LSK targets Chief Justice Koome in Thursday court boycott

    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

Saturday 18 July

  1. Law Society of Kenya announces nationwide court boycott

    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

Judicial Service Commission — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute