The Kenya Judges Welfare Association (KJWA) has called on the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to immediately suspend its targeted boycott of court proceedings, warning that the action risks denying thousands of Kenyans access to justice while undermining confidence in the Judiciary.
In a statement signed by KJWA President Justice Mwaniki Gachoka, the association said judges remain committed to upholding the Constitution and administering justice fairly, despite the ongoing standoff with the lawyers' body. The response comes after the LSK announced a nationwide and targeted boycott of courts in protest over concerns about judicial accountability.
The association said more than 10,000 cases are listed before judges and magistrates every day across the country, affecting thousands of litigants who deserve to have their matters heard as scheduled.
"We reiterate our commitment to administer justice fairly, impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice; safeguarding judicial independence and integrity, treating every person with dignity and ensuring equality," the statement reads.
KJWA criticised the targeted boycott, arguing that it includes deceased judges whose cases have already been concluded, and others who never sought court orders but were sued.
The association warned that bypassing judicial processes in resolving grievances undermines the rule of law.
"The targeted boycott should be called off to ensure that litigants in the said courts are not inconvenienced."
On judges filing court cases to challenge disciplinary processes, KJWA maintained that judicial officers enjoy the same constitutional rights as all Kenyans, including the right to seek legal redress when they believe their rights have been violated.
It added that judges should not be vilified for exercising their constitutional right to access the courts.
Addressing concerns over accountability, the association said judges already operate under performance targets, with annual reports tabled before Parliament, while acknowledging that improvements are still needed in case-weighting and performance measurement.
On corruption, KJWA said it does not condone graft and urged the public, court users and advocates to report corruption allegations for action instead of condemning the entire Judiciary.
"Integrity, honesty and impartial dispensation are key pillars of the oath we have taken as Judges. We do not condone corruption and strongly condemn any acts of corruption."
The judges also urged Parliament to fast-track regulations governing the processing of complaints against judicial officers, saying a clear legal framework with timelines would strengthen accountability.
While defending judicial independence, the association warned that actions which erode public confidence in the courts could reverse gains made by the Judiciary in protecting constitutional rights and improving service delivery.
In a conciliatory tone, KJWA said it remains ready to engage the Law Society of Kenya and other stakeholders through dialogue and existing court user committees to resolve disputes affecting the administration of justice.
"We assure Kenyans that we are determined to live up to our oath of office and serve Kenyans diligently, without fear and in strict fidelity to the Constitution and the law."
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