Justice Josephine Mong’are has once again found herself at the center of controversy after advocates in Machakos renewed calls to boycott her court over unresolved allegations that have followed her for years.
The move has reignited debate about accountability within Kenya’s Judiciary and raised fresh concerns about public confidence in the justice system.
The latest boycott follows her transfer to the Machakos High Court, where members of the Law Society of Kenya’s South Eastern branch resolved not to appear before her until questions surrounding ongoing investigations and past complaints are addressed.
The advocates argue that confidence in the courts depends not only on legal decisions but also on the public perception of integrity among judicial officers.
Justice Mong’are has previously been linked to allegations that attracted national attention, particularly in relation to a commercial dispute involving former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju. Tuju publicly claimed that individuals allegedly connected to the judge sought a bribe in exchange for a favourable outcome in a case involving a Sh1.9 billion loan dispute.
The controversy deepened after reports emerged that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission was investigating claims of abuse of office and corruption connected to matters handled in the Commercial and Tax Division at Milimani.
In response, Justice Mong’are moved to court and obtained conservatory orders that reportedly barred investigative agencies from taking certain actions against her while the matter was being considered.
The development sparked criticism from some lawyers and members of the public, who questioned whether senior judicial officers receive protections that ordinary citizens would not easily access.
Her critics have also pointed to previous complaints lodged before the Judicial Service Commission. Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has on several occasions publicly questioned her conduct and competence, urging authorities to thoroughly examine concerns raised by litigants and advocates.
Those complaints have continued to feature prominently whenever discussions about judicial accountability arise.
The renewed boycott has exposed a growing frustration among sections of the legal profession. Many advocates argue that unresolved allegations against judges, whether proven or not, damage the image of the Judiciary and weaken public trust.
They believe that transparent investigations and timely resolutions are necessary to restore confidence.For many Kenyans, the Judiciary remains the final avenue for justice when all other institutions fail.
That is why controversies involving judges attract intense scrutiny.
Attention is now shifting to how the Judicial Service Commission and other relevant institutions will respond. Until the concerns raised by advocates are conclusively addressed, the debate surrounding Justice Mong’are is unlikely to fade away.
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