Prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has announced plans to launch a political outfit aimed at spearheading sweeping reforms in Kenya’s judiciary.
The movement, dubbed the Judiciary Reform Movement (JRM), seeks to address what he calls widespread inefficiencies and corruption within the judicial system.
Ahmednasir, alongside former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi, will co-chair the JRM, which he described as a “people-centered agenda.”
The outspoken advocate, who has been a vocal critic of Chief Justice Martha Koome, outlined the movement’s objectives in a series of statements on social media.
Key Objectives of the JRM:
1. Removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome – Ahmednasir accuses the CJ of failing in her duties and intends to rally support for her removal.
2. Removal of JurisPESA Judges – The movement will target Supreme Court judges allegedly implicated in malpractice.
3. Efficiency in the Court of Appeal – The JRM aims to streamline processes and improve service delivery in the appellate courts.
4. Reforming Lower Courts – Efforts will include rooting out corruption and inefficiencies in the High Court, specialized courts (Environment and Land, Employment and Labour), as well as Magistrates’ and Kadhi courts.
“We welcome lawyers and the Kenyan public to join JRM and play their lawful role in reclaiming the courts from the thieves who currently own and control them,” Ahmednasir stated.
This announcement follows weeks of tension between the senior lawyer and CJ Koome.
The Chief Justice had previously extended an olive branch, inviting aggrieved lawyers to a roundtable discussion to address concerns. However, Ahmednasir’s latest move suggests that dialogue may not be on the cards.
Legal analysts and political observers have expressed mixed reactions to the JRM’s agenda. While some view it as a necessary intervention to restore public confidence in the judiciary, others have criticized it as politically motivated and potentially destabilizing to the country’s legal system.
