Nelson Havi, the former president of the Law Society of Kenya, is once again making headlines in legal circles. This time, he has filed official complaints against two High Court judges, Josephine Mongare and Nixon Sifuna, raising fresh concerns about how justice is being administered in the country.
In a public statement that quickly drew reactions from lawyers and ordinary Kenyans, Havi said he had already lodged the grievances with the Judicial Service Commission.
He called on Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Judiciary to treat such concerns from advocates with the seriousness they deserve.
Havi believes that if complaints about judges are ignored or downplayed, the damage to the Judiciary’s image could be severe and long-lasting.
Although he did not give specific details about what the two judges have done wrong, his language strongly suggested that he suspects misconduct, possibly corruption or abuse of office.
Havi warned that failing to act on such matters would encourage bad behavior and weaken the trust between the courts and the public. He insisted that tackling such issues now is important to preserve the respect and credibility of the entire Judiciary.
According to him, silence only protects wrongdoers and increases public frustration with justice systems that are supposed to protect the people.
This is not the first time Havi has taken such a bold step. While leading the LSK, he became known for speaking out against what he believed were wrong decisions or unethical behavior by judges, government officials, and even fellow lawyers.
His strong opinions often caused division, but they also earned him support from those who feel the legal system needs to be cleaned up. This latest move shows that he still sees himself as a watchdog for fairness and accountability.
So far, there has been no response from the Judiciary regarding the complaints. But lawyers say this action could lead to investigations or even formal disciplinary proceedings if there is enough proof.
The pressure is now on the Judicial Service Commission to show that it can act fairly and independently, especially when those being accused are part of the same system.
The Chief Justice also faces public pressure to act quickly and transparently, especially at a time when Kenyans are increasingly demanding honesty and justice from all state institutions.
