By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, August 3, 2026 - The High Court has temporarily halted the Law Society of Kenya's (LSK) boycott of several judges, ruling that court proceedings must continue uninterrupted as it considers a legal challenge against the directive.
In a decision issued on Monday, Justice David Mburu granted conservatory orders restraining the LSK from disrupting or interfering with proceedings before judges and judicial officers named in the boycott notice, or any other judicial officer, pending the determination of a preliminary objection on the court's jurisdiction.
"There will be an interim conservatory order restraining the respondent from disrupting and/or interfering with court proceedings before the judges mentioned in their communication or any other Judge and Judicial Officer pending the hearing of the PO," Justice Mburu ruled.
The orders will remain in force until September 17, when the court is expected to hear the preliminary objection.
The case was filed by advocate Adrian Kamotho, who argues that the LSK's nationwide and targeted boycott of proceedings involving Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and several other judges is unconstitutional and undermines the public's right to access justice.
According to the petition, preventing advocates from appearing before specific judges could delay the hearing of cases and deny litigants their constitutional right to a fair and timely trial.
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Lawyers representing interested parties, including some of the affected judges, also opposed the boycott, arguing that it interferes with the administration of justice and threatens the independence of the Judiciary.
In issuing the interim orders, Justice Mburu said preserving normal court operations was necessary while the legal questions surrounding the boycott are determined.
The ruling marks the latest development in the standoff between the Judiciary and the LSK, with the court now set to decide whether the lawyers' body acted within the law in directing advocates to avoid appearing before selected judges.