The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has justified its ongoing selective boycott of specific judges and judicial officers, describing the move as a lawful and principled effort to protect judicial integrity and uphold the rule of law.

In a statement shared on X on July 31, 2026, LSK President Charles Kanjama highlighted that a High Court application seeking to stop the boycott has renewed focus on the society’s constitutional and statutory role in promoting the rule of law.

Targeted Boycott Against Shielded Judicial Officers

Kanjama explained that the boycott specifically targets judicial officers who have obtained conservatory court orders to shield themselves from investigations by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

He noted, “The Law Society’s targeted intervention is a lawful, principled response to judicial officers who obtain conservatory court orders to insulate themselves from constitutional investigations by the Judicial Service Commission and the EACC.”

While affirming the fundamental rights of litigants to access justice under Articles 48 and 50 of the Constitution, Kanjama stressed that these rights cannot be fully realised if judicial integrity is compromised or accountability mechanisms are circumvented.

Defending the Society’s Constitutional Mandate

The LSK President further asserted that public confidence in the judiciary hinges not just on access to courts but also on the impartiality and integrity of judicial officers.

He vowed that the Law Society will vigorously oppose efforts to halt the boycott, underscoring the responsibility of lawyers to advocate for a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free judiciary.

“The Bar will vigorously defend its constitutional mandate to advocate for an accountable, transparent and uncorrupted judiciary. Targeted action remains a legitimate tool to protect the rule of law against institutional shielding,” Kanjama said.

Upcoming Legal Battle

The High Court application seeking conservatory orders against the boycott is set to trigger a legal contest over the scope of the Law Society’s powers and the delicate balance between judicial independence, accountability, and justice administration.

Nationwide Boycott Announced

Earlier, on July 18, 2026, the LSK declared a nationwide boycott of court proceedings scheduled for July 22, 2026. This move aims to protest ongoing failures in the administration of justice and to demand institutional reforms.

Speaking in Machakos after meeting with regional LSK leaders, Kanjama called on advocates nationwide to refrain from participating in all court hearings and applications on the boycott day.

“The Council communicates its resolution to undertake a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, intended to emphasise the seriousness of the concerns raised by members and to call for meaningful institutional interventions that will restore confidence in the administration of justice,” he stated.