Judiciary of Kenya

Kenya's justice system institution headed by Chief Justice Martha Koome, facing corruption allegations and calls for reform amid lawyer boycotts in July 2026.

2026-04-252026-07-28

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

July 2026
9 JulCitizen Digital
… As Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, the former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary has built a reputation for being outspoken and unflinching. …
From Bomas to Parliament: Gladys Boss reflects on survival, sexism and Kenya’s future
7 JulThe Standard
… "On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Judiciary of Kenya, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him during his distinguished judicial career," said Koome.Tunya began his legal …
Chief Justice Martha Koome leads tributes to retired judge Tunya
3 JulCapital News
… standing (PMMU) evaluation report, Chief Justice Koome called for sustained investment in modern court infrastructure, expanded judicial capacity, strengthened governance systems, accelerated digital transformation, and improved operational efficiency to ensure that the Judiciary …
Judiciary posts 104pc case clearance rate; cutting backlog by 27pc in 2025/6
3 JulThe Standard
Audio By Vocalize For the first time in years, Judiciary has resolved more cases than it received, slashing its backlog by 27 per cent, a milestone Chief Justice Martha Koome says reflects reforms delivering faster, more accessible justice.Launching the Performance Management and …
CJ Koome Unveils Judiciary's Biggest Backlog Reduction in Years
2 JulCapital News
NAIROBI, Kenya July 2 – Constitutional lawyer and Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has claimed that some judges are planning to go to court to stop the release of what he describes as a damaging report on the performance of the Judiciary. …
Ahmednasir claims Judges want damning Judiciary report blocked
June 2026
25 JunThe Standard
… A court clerk–who, I’m told, is notorious but untouchable owing to his connections in the senior echelons of the Judiciary–took charge of the matter as the chief coordinator. …
Let CJ protect advocates, stop impunity in this court
24 JunCitizen Digital
… The launch of the two plans provided a platform for both the Judiciary and the IEBC to weigh in on the increasing cases of goonism and political violence. …
CJ Koome urges IEBC to disqualify politicians sponsoring goons
23 JunCapital News
… He reiterated that the Ministry of Health remains committed to respecting the Constitution, court orders and the independence of the Judiciary. …
Court Lets Off CS Duale With Stern Warning Over Contempt in Ebola Facility Case
23 JunThe Standard
… Ahead of the vote, the Judiciary had announced the election and the candidates seeking the influential position. …
Kairu elected new president of the Court of Appeal
23 JunThe Standard
… Just like the Judiciary has such an Act,” Barasa said.“You (Teachers) are suffering because none of your own is present when decisions are being discussed or made,” he added. …
Didmus Barasa sets eyes on Bungoma governorship, pledges to prioritise education

Politics

DPP approves bribery charges against Kangema magistrate and probation officer

The News

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.

13 hours ago · Capital News →

Today

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.
13 hours ago · Capital News →

Yesterday

Chief Justice Koome unveils five justice sector reform instruments
Chief Justice Martha Koome has unveiled five justice sector reform instruments aimed at accelerating digital transformation, strengthening responses to sexual and gender-based violence, and enhancing access to justice through greater institutional coordination. Speaking at the 38th National Council on the Administration of Justice meeting in Mombasa, Koome said the reforms are designed to build a justice system that is fair, efficient, accessible and responsive to the needs of all Kenyans.
27 July 2026 · Capital News →
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 →

Saturday 25 July

Improved veterinary regulation strengthens livestock farming in Kenya
Kenya's veterinary regulatory system, managed by the Kenya Veterinary Board, has improved farmer access to licensed veterinarians and proper medicines, helping livestock farmers protect their herds and maintain production. A Laikipia County farmer's account shows how the board's compliance efforts reduced livestock disease losses and enabled safe milk exports to regional markets.
25 July 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 24 July

Police seize Sh13.4m cannabis haul across three counties
Police have seized cannabis worth Sh13.4 million and arrested four suspects in intelligence-led operations across Nandi, Kiambu and Kisii counties as part of the government's anti-narcotics campaign. The coordinated raids uncovered large consignments of cannabis being transported through public and private vehicles, with detectives also recovering cash suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking.
24 July 2026 · Capital News →
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 →

Thursday 23 July

Inspector General, DCI director summoned repeatedly by courts
An opinion piece argues that Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin have a pattern of being summoned by the High Court on multiple occasions and appearing only after repeated judicial insistence, raising concerns about whether senior law enforcement officials are held to the same standard as ordinary citizens.
23 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Police clearance certificates to be issued within 24 hours
Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary announced the rollout of a new multi-biometric identification system that will reduce the processing time for police clearance certificates from up to two weeks to 24 hours and expand the fingerprint database capacity from two million to 10 million records.
23 July 2026 · Capital News →
Kenya's Forensic Unit gains international accreditation for criminal investigations
Kenya's Forensic Evidence Management Unit has received international accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board, which Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says will strengthen criminal prosecutions by ensuring evidence is collected, preserved and presented according to international standards. The accreditation is said to mark the first such international accreditation for a Forensic Evidence Management Unit in Africa.
23 July 2026 · Capital News →
Law Society calls nationwide court boycott over judicial corruption
A nationwide court boycott called by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on Wednesday paralysed proceedings in several courts across the country, exposing a standoff between the Bar and the Bench over allegations of corruption and accountability within the Judiciary.
23 July 2026 · The Standard →
New DCI biometric system reduces good conduct certificate processing to 24 hours
Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched a Multi-Biometric Identification System that will deliver Certificates of Good Conduct within 24 hours, replacing a process that previously took more than two weeks. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the change during the system's official launch on July 23.
23 July 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 22 July

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 →
Kangema Principal Magistrate relieved pending corruption probe
Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua has been relieved of his judicial duties pending an investigation into alleged solicitation of a bribe. He was arrested by the EACC alongside a Probation Officer for allegedly receiving Ksh.150,000 from a complainant in a matter pending before the court.
22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Law Society accuses judges of penalising lawyers during boycott
The Law Society of Kenya has accused some judges and judicial officers of penalising advocates with case dismissals and adjournment fees despite the Society's nationwide court boycott, and warned it will escalate targeted action against those it says interfered with lawyers' constitutional rights.
22 July 2026 · Capital News →
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 →
CJ Koome faces renewed pressure amid lawyer boycott threat
Chief Justice Martha Koome faces a fresh push for removal from office as the Law Society of Kenya threatens a lawyer boycott, accusing some judicial officers of using court orders to shield themselves from accountability while they claim constitutional protections and due process rights.
22 July 2026 · The Standard →
Chief Justice Koome faces renewed pressure to resign amid judicial crisis
Chief Justice Martha Koome is under renewed pressure to step down as lawyers threaten a court boycott, with the Law Society of Kenya accusing some judicial officers of using court orders to shield themselves from accountability while the targeted judges claim constitutional protections and due process entitlements.
22 July 2026 · The Standard →
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 →

Tuesday 21 July

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 →
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 →

Monday 20 July

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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →

Sunday 19 July

Opinion: Kenya risks burning without action against dehumanizing political rhetoric
A Standard opinion piece warns that Kenya faces serious risk if nothing is done to counter dehumanizing rhetoric, normalised political violence, and misuse of state institutions as we approach the 2027 election, citing loss of public trust in institutions including Parliament, the IEBC, and the judiciary.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 18 July

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 →

Thursday 16 July

Chief Justice urges new Appeal Court president to clear case backlog
Chief Justice Martha Koome has challenged Justice Gatembu Kairu, newly installed as President of the Court of Appeal, to clear a backlog of 9,954 appeals and improve the court's institutional performance. Koome noted the court's expanded bench of 41 judges gives it the capacity to resolve more cases than it receives annually.
16 July 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 14 July

Kofi Annan Foundation estimates 84.1% risk of electoral violence in 2027
The Kofi Annan Foundation's Electoral Vulnerability Index reports that Kenya has never gone through a single election cycle without violence and estimates an 84.1 per cent probability of electoral violence during the 2027 General Election. The report places Kenya among 10 countries identified as priorities by the European Union during this election cycle.
14 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 13 July

Interior CS orders nationwide crackdown on political violence gangs
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the arrest of 20 people following weekend violence in Kisumu and Nyahururu, and ordered a nationwide intelligence-led operation to dismantle organized criminal gangs and arrest their financiers. Murkomen directed the Inspector General of Police to pursue armed gangs and their sponsors, warning politicians against mobilising or financing criminal groups.
13 July 2026 · Capital News →
Chief Justice establishes High Court division for tribunal appeals
Chief Justice Martha Koome has established a new Tribunals Appeals Division of the High Court at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, operational from July 1, to hear appeals from specialised tribunals (except the Tax Appeals Tribunal) and improve access to justice and expedite dispute resolution.
13 July 2026 · Capital News →