Chief Magistrate Atambo asks High Court to stop LSK boycott of proceedings
Key points
- Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo petitioned the High Court over the LSK boycott.
- She argues a boycott would block advocates and the public from court.
- The case reframes the dispute as one about access to justice, not only discipline.
- Interim orders, if any, will shape the next week of court business.
Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has asked the High Court for orders to halt a planned Law Society of Kenya boycott of court proceedings, arguing that the action would undermine the administration of justice.
According to Capital FM, Atambo contends that a boycott would prevent advocates, litigants and members of the public from accessing courts — a constitutional right that cannot be casually suspended by professional protest.
The filing adds a judicial-branch voice to a dispute that had largely been framed as LSK versus the Judicial Service Commission. By seeking injunctive relief, the magistracy is effectively asking superior courts to protect hearing calendars before they collapse.
Boycott organisers usually insist they are defending judicial integrity, not attacking access to justice. Opponents reply that the remedy is worse than the disease if rape survivors, small traders and remand prisoners cannot get dates.
High Court judges will have to balance freedom of association and legitimate protest by advocates against the state’s duty to keep courts open. Interim orders — if granted — could reshape the next week of litigation strategy for both sides.
Parties with fixtures in the coming days should monitor cause lists and any gazetted notices. ZaKenya will report the High Court’s directions once delivered.
Sources: Capital FM. This report paraphrases publicly available reporting; it does not republish third-party full text.
