Civil society organisations and women’s groups in Busia have strongly criticised the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Busia Chapter over its demand for the transfer of Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti.
The groups, led by rights activists Mary Makokha, Francis Namuzi, and Maurine Ayodi, accused local lawyers of targeting the magistrate because of her uncompromising stance against corruption and court cartels. They praised Nyaloti for her role in reducing cases of gender-based violence and child abuse by holding perpetrators accountable, while also cracking down on corruption within the judiciary.
The standoff follows a resolution passed by Busia advocates on August 14, 2025, where they resolved not to handle or proceed with any matter before Court No. 1, presided over by Nyaloti, until she is transferred. In a notice dated August 15, the LSK Busia Chapter declared that effective August 18, “no advocate shall take up, handle or proceed with any matter before Edna Nyaloti, Chief Magistrate, Court No. 1 until she is transferred.”
The lawyers cited security concerns raised by the magistrate as justification for their boycott. However, civil society organisations dismissed this as a cover-up, alleging that the boycott was meant to frustrate a judicial officer committed to integrity.
Nyaloti has recently raised alarm over the infiltration of brokers into Busia courts. In a letter to the LSK earlier this month, she reported the arrest of a suspect, Michael Noah Wandera, who allegedly solicited Ksh.10,000 to “facilitate” the withdrawal of a case. Additionally, two individuals were expelled from the courts after a July 24 Court Users Committee meeting.
A circular signed by Nyaloti on July 28 barred one Dismas Osigwary, a “professional surety,” from standing bond surety after allegedly charging between Ksh.150,000 and Ksh.300,000 to secure bonds. Another notice on July 29 banned Maureen Ogola, accused of impersonating a mediator, advocate, and even a DCI officer, from accessing court premises.
Civil society groups are now urging Chief Justice Martha Koome and the LSK national office to intervene and investigate the Busia branch. “We are asking the CJ and LSK to step in and weed out quacks jeopardising residents’ access to justice,” said Namuzi.
Despite the boycott notice, a spot check revealed that proceedings at Court No. 1 continued, with some advocates still attending hearings and mentions.
