LSK announces one-week court boycott

The Law Society of Kenya has announced a week-long boycott of all court proceedings in the country by its members to protest the disregard of court orders by State and public officers.

In a statement to newsrooms, LSK President Isaack Okero said lawyers will keep off the courtrooms except in election petitions proceedings that are guided by timelines.

“The court boycott shall be for one week commencing from the 12th, February 2018 to the 16th February 2018 but will exclude election petitions most of which are almost concluding and are subject to strict timelines.

During the period, lawyers will also hold peaceful protest marches across the country as part of its campaign dubbed Yellow Ribbon.

“Protests shall be by way of marches organized by each branch to be held on the morning of 15th February 2018 culminating at the local law courts at which shall be held discussions sessions on obedience and enforcement of Court Orders and the importance of universal adherence to the rule of law,” read the statement.

LSK called on its members to appear fully robed and wearing the yellow ribbons of protest during the marches.

The body expressed concern over what it termed as brazen disregard of court orders and violation  of rights by the government, saying this could precipitate anarchy in the country.

“When a government shows contempt for the law it becomes impossible for it to require citizens to respect the law it holds in contempt. Disregard of the law leads to a society in anarchy, where people are laws unto themselves, and chaos reigns,” said LSK.

Meanwhile, LSK says it will continue in its quest to seek justice for deported opposition Lawyer Miguna Miguna.

The Society further said it shall institute proceedings on the matter of the shut-down of broadcast services, in which it shall seek appropriate orders and declarations as well as personal liability.