The Society, through its President Faith Odhiambo, has urged CJ Koome to consider tracking and resolving all complaints lodged against corrupt judicial officers.
It has raised urgent concerns about the state of the Judiciary and the rule of law in the wake of the 2024 State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice (SOJAR) Report.
In a statement shared by the Society on Wednesday, November 20, LSK said it had received several complaints of alleged bribery and unethical conduct by judicial officers with the Law Society, adding that such vices eroded the credibility and effectiveness of the judiciary.
“During the recent demonstrations, LSK worked with Kenyans and civil society. We visited police cells, homes, mortuaries, and hospitals. We observed and received complaints of total disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law,” the law society revealed.
“We saw a side of this Government that we must not only disavow but call to full accountability. We have witnessed extrajudicial killings, arrests, abductions, and extrajudicial killings,” it added.
president William Ruto with Chief Justice Martha Koome
While the report highlights progress in efficiency and access to justice, deeper systemic issues undermine Kenya’s constitutional development.
Since the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, Kenya has achieved milestones like peaceful political transitions and stronger electoral jurisprudence.
However, public confidence in the Judiciary is waning due to allegations of corruption, inconsistent rulings, and inefficiency.
The LSK asserts that the Judiciary must rise to its constitutional role, protecting sovereignty, upholding accountability, and defending the rule of law.
This year’s protests against the Finance Bill 2024 exposed government overreach, including extrajudicial killings, abductions, and police brutality.
The LSK, alongside civil society, documented these abuses and now demands swift reforms. Their seven-point plan includes independent investigations, transparent judicial complaint handling, and compensation for victims of state violence.
Further, the government was urged to collaborate with humanitarian groups to ensure all those found culpable of committing brutality and damages during the anti-government protests were apprehended.
The LSK emphasizes that the Judiciary must lead Kenya’s constitutional transformation, reclaiming public trust and ensuring justice.
Without decisive action, Kenya risks losing the democratic gains of the past decade.
