A lighthearted exchange at the Milimani Law Courts left the courtroom in laughter after Justice Chacha Mwita questioned a lawyer’s choice of words during the mention of a case on Friday.
The incident began when the lawyer told the bench he would file his responses “at the end of COB.” Justice Mwita immediately cut in, asking for clarification. “I do not know what COB is, and it is not in our calendar,” he remarked. The acronym “COB” is widely recognized in professional circles as meaning “close of business,” but the judge insisted that only English or Kiswahili should be used in court.
When pressed, the lawyer explained why Kiswahili was not his strong suit. “I’m Luo, Kiswahili will be a problem,” he said, sparking laughter in the courtroom. The judge, while maintaining his authority, responded with humor. “Mr. Ochieng, just read the Constitution,” Justice Mwita advised.
The exchange highlighted the importance of clarity and professionalism in court proceedings, but it also offered a rare moment of comic relief in a typically serious environment. The judge’s firm yet humorous handling of the situation underscored how language plays a critical role in legal practice, while also reminding lawyers of the importance of adhering to formal court language.
By Risper Akinyi