Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has once again conflicted with Chief justice Martha Koome following a memo on court operations.
Havi issued a public statement complaining that the Chief Justice does not recognise the leadership of LSK.
The city lawyer stated that Koome's decisions are not based upon sound advice.
“Madam CJ doesn’t recognise leadership of LSK just like CJ Hancox. Her decision is not based upon sound advice,” Havi noted.
The advocates' representative also highlighted that there was no need to have physical court sessions for what he termed as simple hearings.
“The online hearing platform is viable for disposal of mentions, applications and simple hearings. No need for physical Court appearances save for complex cases,” he highlighted.
On October 28, the CJ sent out a memo regarding the new court operation guidelines.
The memo that was sent to officers of the court noted that physical court sessions were expected to resume following President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive to ease the pandemic containment measures.
“This is therefore to direct that with effect of the date of this memo, all courts shall operate from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m unless otherwise authorised by the Chief Justice,” the memo read in part.
“Court stations will ensure strict adherence to the pandemic mitigation guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on social distancing, proper wearing of masks and sanitisation,” the missive added.
The Chief justice further noted that the technology already in use would still continue to be a mode of operation in the courts.
“The commendable strides achieved in the use of technology and the tremendous benefits it has had on access to justice cannot be gainsaid and will therefore still continue to be our mode of operation,” the memo stated.
