KMJA Leadership Goes Silent as Attacks on Judges and Magistrates Intensify

The Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association (KMJA) leadership has retreated from public view, leaving judges, magistrates, and kadhis to face mounting attacks and intimidation alone, according to sources within the judiciary.

The silence comes despite efforts by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to call for calm following recent attacks on judicial officers—efforts that appear to have failed to stem the tide of criticism.

The controversy began when magistrates and judiciary officers were attacked in Thika and Nanyuki over their bond and bail decisions.

Under normal procedures, the KMJA whose members depend on the association for support should have immediately condemned these attacks.

However, the association has remained notably silent, leaving its members exposed to continued criticism and intimidation.

City lawyer Nelson Havi has transformed his Facebook and social media platforms into what observers describe as “live coverage of attacks” on judicial officers.

Lawyer Peter Wanyama has joined the campaign from the south, amplifying criticism of the judiciary.

Havi has previously threatened to expose senior KMJA leadership allegedly linked to high-level corruption in the coming days.

A survey of social media activity shows that within 24 hours, Havi alone has directed sustained criticism at Justice Nixon Sifuna.

His colleague Peter Wanyama has similarly intensified pressure on judicial officers, leaving nothing to chance in their coordinated campaign against the judiciary.

Legal protocols prevent Justice Nixon Sifuna or any other judge, magistrate, or judiciary officer from calling a press conference to defend themselves.

They can only respond through the KMJA or the JSC both of which appear to have stepped back from defending individual officers.

This legal constraint has left judicial officers particularly vulnerable to public attacks, with no immediate recourse for self-defense.

Experts suggest that Chief Justice Martha Koome is occupied with other matters of national importance and is reluctant to be drawn into the controversy.

“The CJ is busy and won’t want to associate herself with this, as she has been a victim too. The only association that can help is the KMJA, which appears to be inactive,” said a city advocate who requested anonymity.

As attacks continue, Havi has consistently challenged the KMJA to respond publicly.

“Where is the KMJA? I dare its leader, Justice Radido, to come out. KMJA under Radido is an epitome of corruption,” Havi wrote in a recent social media post.

The JSC’s efforts to restore order have proven ineffective, with some activists now planning major protests calling for the suspension of certain judges and judiciary officers.

The KMJA’s silence has drawn sharp criticism from within the judiciary itself.

A female judge from the Coast has accused the association of “laxity and betrayal,” urging Justice Radido to resign ahead of December elections.

“I want to ask the KMJA to vacate office before the December polls. The association has no members’ interests at heart we judges have been left on our own,” she said.

“The JSC is our employer and KMJA is our defender against both our employer and external attacks. We expected the Radido-led team to do much better, but it’s disappointing.”

A magistrate from Kapenguria echoed these sentiments, urging the KMJA to return to its core mandate.

“We contribute to the KMJA to fight for our welfare, but it has completely failed in this regard. I want this association to return to normalcy and address the issues affecting us. It needs to wake up and work,” he said.

The KMJA was established primarily to advocate for the rights and welfare of judges and magistrates, but members increasingly question whether the current leadership is fulfilling this mandate as the crisis deepens and their calls for protection go unanswered.

This is a developing story. More updates to follow.