Lawyers have begun a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama said the one-day industrial action would proceed nationwide.

Speaking to a local TV station on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Kanjama said lawyers remained essential service providers but retained the right to withdraw their services.

“Lawyers are essential service providers, but that does not mean they cannot take industrial action. That is why our boycott is for one day, because we also have to consider the interests of the Kenyans we serve,” Kanjama said.

He said the boycott was intended to push for accountability and reforms within the Judiciary.

“The boycott is a call for reforms aimed at strengthening the administration of justice and restoring public confidence in the judicial system,” he added.

Kanjama cites constitutional rights

In a statement published on X on Tuesday, Kanjama said the boycott was protected by the Constitution.

“LSK’s one-day general Court Boycott will proceed countrywide on Wednesday, July 2026, based on exercise of art 37 Katiba rights of assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition, and art 41 right to collectively withdraw services for a limited period,” he wrote.

Advocates will not participate in routine hearings or applications during the boycott.

However, the action does not stop the filing of new cases or court documents. Advocates may also attend mentions involving interim orders to secure new dates or seek extensions.

“The boycott shall be implemented in the same manner as court operations during an unscheduled public holiday,” an LSK statement reads.

The Judiciary has maintained that all courts will remain open.

“The Judiciary assures the public that all courts throughout the Republic will remain open and will continue hearing and determining matters as scheduled on Wednesday, July 22, 2026,” Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo said.

The Judiciary argued that the boycott was not an appropriate or proportionate response. It warned that litigants could be affected by the absence of their advocates. The Judiciary’s response was reported on July 20.

Indefinite targeted boycott starts Thursday

The nationwide boycott will be followed by an indefinite action targeting specified judges and judicial officers from Thursday, July 23, 2026.

“Also, LSK will proceed with a targeted indefinite court boycott from Thursday against indicated judges or judicial officers who have obtained Court orders stopping JSC or EACC accountability processes until those orders cease to have effect,” Kanjama said.

JSC refers to the Judicial Service Commission, while EACC is the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

The LSK has identified 12 judges and one magistrate affected by the targeted boycott. Advocates have been directed to seek adjournments, case transfers or recusals when appearing before them. The list was published on Wednesday.

“All for the sake of effective and efficient justice, and to uphold the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” Kanjama stated.