[File, Standard]The High Court has referred a petition challenging legal service engagements between government entities and private law firms to the Chief Justice to constitute a bench to hear the case. Yesterday, Justice Samwel Mohochi ruled that the matter raises a substantial question of law that requires a multi-judge bench. Some of these judges had previously allowed public entities to hire private law firms and lawyers and authorize payments for their services. The ruling followed an application by the Law Society of Kenya through lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu, who argued that the petition raises a question of law on whether public entities with internal legal counsels can retain private law firms. “In all countries, public entities are major purchasers of professional services from the private sector, including engineering, accounting, architecture and more,” Muthomi said.

Source: Standard Digital January 31, 2026 12:00 UTC