By Gerald Mutethia
Lawyers in Meru and Isiolo counties have threatened to boycott proceedings at the Maua Law Courts, accusing three magistrates of incompetence, corruption, and misconduct that they claim have crippled judicial services at the station.
Speaking in Meru, Mt. Kenya Region LSK Chairperson Joel Buria decried delays in transferring the officers despite a formal petition to Chief Justice Martha Koome, saying the situation has led to stalled proceedings and mounting case backlogs.
“It is time the CJ gets serious and stops deploying rejects to our region. Some of these magistrates were previously rejected in Nanyuki and Nyeri. Court sessions start late, proceedings drag, and litigants are suffering,” said Buria.
Meru and Isiolo lawyers during their press briefing at the Meru Law court premises
Senior Advocate Ken Muriuki accused the Chief Justice of ignoring repeated appeals from the Meru Bar, arguing that her inaction had “made her a stumbling block to justice in her own backyard.”
“Things are bad. If she cannot act here, how will she manage the rest of the country?” Muriuki posed.
Meru Bar Association Chairman Michael Ngunjiri demanded the immediate overhaul and redeployment of the magistrates presiding over Courts 3, 4, and 5.
The lawyers alleged that the officers have set a “bad precedent” and are linked to integrity and professionalism concerns, eroding public confidence in the judiciary.
Ngunjiri said the association had submitted documentary evidence to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) highlighting “serious interpersonal issues,” including conflicts between magistrates and advocates.
“If our demands are ignored, we will boycott Maua Law Courts, cease court appearances, and hold peaceful protests every Thursday from Maua Town to the court premises,” Ngunjiri warned.
The lawyers further claimed that the Maua Law Courts have become synonymous with absenteeism, frequent transfers, and ethical controversies, creating a leadership vacuum and poor service delivery.
“The cumulative effect has been a near collapse of judicial services, causing prejudice to litigants, advocates, and the wider public. Meru Bar is not acting out of defiance, but out of duty to defend the integrity of the justice system and dignity of our profession,” Ngunjiri added.
The group vowed to sustain their protest until the JSC and the Chief Justice address their grievances.
