This archive report was first published on 27 December 2019.
On December 27, 2019, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) expressed its opposition to the recall of Court of Appeal judges from Mombasa to Nairobi, citing a shortage of judicial officers and potential constitutional crisis.
LSK Mombasa branch chairman Matthew Nyabena stated that the move would create difficulties for practitioners and litigants in the region, who would have to travel to Nairobi to file urgent applications and be heard the same day.
"Is the Judiciary ready to foot the additional expenses incurred? This decision only makes a bad decision worse," Nyabena added.
Chief Justice David Maraga had petitioned to reverse the decision, which was made by Court of Appeal President William Ouko. Ouko stated that the Appellate Court judges in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nyeri would now operate from Nairobi effective January 13, 2020.
As a result, court sessions in the affected areas would be held in circuits conducted once a month at each station.
