The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has sharply criticised the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) over its reaction to recent protests at Maua Law Courts, signalling an escalating rift between lawyers and judicial officers.
In a statement released on Saturday night, LSK President Faith Odhiambo expressed disappointment with the KMJA’s handling of concerns raised by advocates during the October 30 demonstrations. The protests reportedly saw a sitting magistrate harassed, her vehicle blocked, and chants of “thief” directed at her by some advocates.
“The Law Society of Kenya expresses its profound concern and disappointment over the statement issued by the KMJA following the protests by advocates practising in the Meru Chapter,” LSK stated. “Judicial independence and accountability are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary pillars of the rule of law.”
LSK described the Maua incident as “symptomatic of a broader malaise” within the judiciary, citing long-standing tensions between advocates, judicial officers, and court users. The society criticised the recurring practice of transferring judges accused of misconduct instead of addressing underlying issues.
As a remedy, LSK urged the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to launch a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the conduct of judicial officers at Maua Law Courts. The society also called for a review of administrative and working conditions at the station to resolve systemic challenges contributing to the strained relations.
Additionally, the LSK demanded that any accountability measures by the JSC be “substantive and not limited to cosmetic transfers,” insisting on genuine reforms to restore public trust in the judiciary.
Meanwhile, the KMJA denounced the Maua protests as “a new and dangerous low,” accusing advocates of intimidation, incitement, and cyberbullying of magistrates and judges.
“This was not a peaceful protest; it was intimidation and incitement,” KMJA stated, terming the incident a violation of professional ethics and an affront to the dignity of the court.
