By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Lawyers in Kenya on Wednesday announced a nationwide strike, boycotting the court in protest over what they call judicial corruption and chronic delays.
Cases in the country take an average of two years to conclude and lawyers say the delays are is linked to corruption and systematic inefficiencies among members of the bench.
“The court boycott is going on in courts across the country, with many lawyers heeding the call,” Charles Kanjama, the president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), told reporters.
After Wednesday’s strike, the LSK is pushing for an ongoing boycott of specific judges and magistrates who they accuse of blocking anti-corruption measures and disciplinary procedures. The Supreme Court’s Chief Justice, Martha Koome is among those named.
“As lawyers we are tired of a corrupt judiciary that refuses to reform itself,” said lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi.
Others have warned judicial corruption could be an issue for next year’s election if political disputes arise.
“The judiciary is irredeemably compromised and is unable to act as an arbiter,” said former LSK president Eric Theuri.
Also on Wednesday, Kenya’s anti-corruption body said it had arrested a magistrate for allegedly soliciting a bribe to influence a criminal case.
