LSK to launch probe into judicial corruption, incompetence in January
By Lucy Mumbi |
As part of its commitment to restoring the judiciary’s credibility, the LSK announced the establishment of a committee to collect complaints against judicial officers nationwide.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) will begin investigating allegations of corruption, incompetence, and malpractice among judges and judicial officers starting January.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo revealed in a statement on Wednesday, following a meeting between the society’s council and the leadership of the Kenyan Judiciary.
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The meeting, convened to address concerns over judicial misconduct, was prompted by growing public outcry over issues of corruption and inefficiency within the judiciary.
According to Odhiambo, the LSK highlighted its dissatisfaction with what it described as a piecemeal approach to tackling systemic challenges, insisting that the judiciary needs comprehensive reforms to restore public confidence.
“While today’s engagement was a welcome show of initiative, a piecemeal olive branch is far from what the Law Society of Kenya is willing or available to engage in. Drastic, full-scale changes in the operations of the judiciary and the actions of judicial officers must follow these deliberations,” Odhiambo said.
As part of its commitment to restoring the judiciary’s credibility, the LSK announced the establishment of a committee to collect complaints against judicial officers nationwide.
Beginning in January, Odhiambo said the committee will gather reports of alleged incompetence, malpractice, and corruption involving judicial staff.
“We are resolved to shake the tree until all the bad fruit falls off,” Odhiambo said, adding that the society would ensure that every credible complaint is thoroughly investigated and resolved.
While the LSK expressed willingness to collaborate with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in its efforts to address corruption, it issued a firm reminder that the JSC must prioritise protecting the public interest over shielding rogue judicial officers.
“We remind the JSC that they must take up their rightful place as a protector of the public, not a preservation scheme for rogue judges and magistrates. Without an effective judiciary, the rule of law and our entire constitutional setup is doomed to collapse,” Odhiambo said.
The society said it is committed to addressing grievances raised by both advocates and members of the public.
“We are bemused by the uncanny laissez-faire with which the innumerable issues of advocates and members of the public have been addressed. However, we are encouraged by the Judiciary’s acknowledgement of serious challenges within its ranks that must be addressed by all means necessary,” Odhiambo said.
LSK reiterated its readiness to take all necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s judiciary.
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