The High Court has temporarily suspended the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK) nationwide boycott of Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and other judges.
The orders will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by lawyer Adrian Kamotho challenging the legality of the boycott.
The decision marks a major development in the standoff between the LSK and the Judiciary, which has sparked debate within the legal fraternity over the administration of justice.
Kamotho moved to court arguing that the boycott undermines judicial independence and infringes on the constitutional rights of Kenyans seeking justice.
He argued that advocates should not be barred from appearing before specific judges, saying the move could delay the hearing and determination of cases.
The High Court agreed to issue interim orders, effectively stopping the boycott until the petition is fully heard and determined.
The LSK had announced the nationwide boycott against Chief Justice Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Mwilu and several other judges over concerns it has raised about the Judiciary.
The society has maintained that its action is aimed at pushing for accountability and reforms within the justice system.
However, supporters of the petition argue that disagreements within the Judiciary should be resolved through constitutional and legal mechanisms rather than actions that could affect litigants and the delivery of justice.
The case is expected to proceed to a full hearing, where the court will determine whether the LSK’s boycott was lawful or should be permanently stopped.