A planned protest by members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) from the Chuka Bar and the Mt. Kenya Chapter against Chuka Law Courts’ Court 2 Magistrate Duke Ocharo was on Friday called off after lawyers said the judicial officer had been sent on compulsory leave pending investigations by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The advocates, led by Chuka Bar Chair Lucy Kaaria, said the decision to place the magistrate on compulsory leave addressed one of the key demands that had prompted the planned demonstration, making it unnecessary to proceed with the protest.
The lawyers had intended to stage the demonstration to press for the magistrate’s removal from Chuka Law Courts over allegations of misconduct and corruption.
Speaking to the media, advocate Muthomi Gitari alleged that the magistrate’s conduct had eroded public confidence in the court, claiming that many residents no longer believed they could obtain justice before him.
Gitari said the lawyers remain opposed to the magistrate’s return to Chuka Law Courts and are instead calling for the deployment of another judicial officer to restore public trust in the institution.
He further alleged that corruption had become widespread within parts of the judiciary, saying members of the legal fraternity were committed to leading efforts to eliminate corruption in the courts and rebuild confidence in the justice system.
The advocates also appealed to Chief Justice Martha Koome to strengthen measures aimed at combating corruption and enhancing accountability within the judiciary.
The lawyers’ claims against Magistrate Ocharo remain allegations. The Judicial Service Commission has not publicly announced the outcome of any investigations or made findings regarding the allegations.
The magistrate has not publicly responded to the claims.
