Nairobi Magistrate Challenges LSK Over Alleged Neglect of Judicial Officers
She questioned why the Society intervenes strongly to protect lawyers but rarely comes to the aid of judicial officers facing attacks or intimidation
By : Mweru Mbugua
Nairobi Magistrate Dolphina Alego has publicly criticized the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), accusing the organisation of selectively defending lawyers while neglecting judges and magistrates, who are also members
Magistrate Alego directed her remarks at Nairobi LSK Chairperson Eric Kivuva and Vice President Mwaura Kabata after they appeared in her court to defend an advocate under investigation for alleged land fraud
She questioned why the Society intervenes strongly to protect lawyers but rarely comes to the aid of judicial officers facing attacks or intimidation
“The Society aggressively protects advocates, yet magistrates and judges are often left exposed, unable to defend themselves,” Alego said
She added that judicial officers frequently face harassment on social media without any action from the LSK, despite its mandate to safeguard all members
Her comments came during proceedings where LSK opposed an application by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seeking search warrants for advocate Gaylene Makena, who is under investigation for alleged land fraud
The DCI sought to access Makena’s premises and those of other suspects, including a lands official, to seize documents and electronic devices linked to the alleged offences
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The investigation involves several alleged crimes, including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, making false documents, abuse of office, and breach of trust
Other suspects named include Francis Mwangi, Paul Kibisu, Evans Kathuri, Judy Koech, Joseph Kager, Robinson Mbatha, Joel Kakuli, John Mutisya, Beatrice Wanjiku, John Mburu, Antony Ndegwa, Peninah Mwangi, and Dan Akama
Following confirmation that the investigations had concluded, Magistrate Alego closed the case
