We come here to serve justice, not side shows, court warns Havi

Former LSK president Nelson Havi during his presentation at a court proceeding on the Baby Pendo murder case on January 29, 2025. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

The High Court has cautioned lawyer Nelson Havi against disrespecting the judiciary, following his remarks during a court session on Friday concerning the cases on removal of all seven Supreme Court judges.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Charles Kariuki, Lawrence Mugambi, and Bahati Mwamuye, presiding over seven consolidated petitions challenging the Judicial Service Commission's (JSC) consideration of complaints seeking the ouster of the apex court judges, took issue with Havi's strong-worded response after being informed that his application to disqualify them would be heard in October.

“This is a matter concerning the judges of the Supreme Court. It is prioritised as urgent. What can be more urgent to this court?” Havi challenged, urging the court to reconsider the hearing date.

However, Justice Kariuki, who led the bench, explained that an earlier date was not possible as one of the three judges would be on leave.

“It is not feasible to allocate an earlier date. The only available date is October 3, 2025,” he ruled.

Dissatisfied, Havi reluctantly accepted the date but did not conceal his disappointment.

“We will take the date of October 3, but with tremendous respect, this is a disappointment to all advocates practicing before the courts of this country,” he said.

This remark immediately drew a reaction from the bench and opposing counsel.

Senior counsels George Oraro and James Ochieng Oduor, representing Chief Justice Martha Koome, were quick to distance themselves from Havi’s comments.

“We do not align ourselves with those sentiments,” said Oduor, urging the court to remind advocates to uphold decorum and respect.

Justice Kariuki responded with a pointed warning: “We have taken note of that, and we appreciate it. We hope that advocates, when we come here, we come to do justice, all without any side shadows.”