Patrick Otera Matere v Sic Investment Cooperative
The bottom line
#A Kenyan employment judge stepped aside from a case because her own lawyer was representing one of the parties.
What this practically means
#Executive summary
#Questions the Court framed
#The issues the Court set itself to decide, in its own words.
- 1.Whether the Court ought to recuse itself in light of the undisputed advocate-client relationship between the Hon. Judge and the advocate for the Claimant
Key legal issues
#Whether the advocate-client relationship between the presiding judge and the Claimant's advocate gives rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias
Yes - the court accepted the relationship existed and recused itself to preserve the appearance of justice, notwithstanding that its integrity and competence were not questioned.
The court did not dispute that the firm of J. A. Guserwa acts for the judge in another suit, a fact pegged on the right to counsel of choice and arising before the cause was allocated to her. Noting her integrity and competence were not in question given her oath of service, the judge nonetheless allowed the application so that justice would be seen to be done, recusing herself forthwith with costs in the cause.
Legal principles established
#- A judge should recuse herself where, to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done, a reasonable apprehension of bias arises from an advocate-client relationship between the judge and counsel for a party.
Court orders
#- 1.The application is allowed and the Honourable Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa recuses herself from hearing the claim forthwith
- 2.Costs in the cause
The bench
#One judgment of the whole court — no separate or dissenting opinions.
Wrote the judgment
- Jurisdiction invoked
- Original employment and labour relations jurisdiction of the ELRC; recusal application under Regulation 21 of the Judicial Service (Code of Conduct and Ethics) Regulations and Article 50(1) of the Constitution
Quotable passages
#Verbatim from the judgment, each located to the page it appears on in the official PDF — so these can be cited and checked directly.
That being the case and in order to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done, I will allow the application and respectfully recuse myself from hearing this claim forthwith. Costs in the cause.
This court does not dispute the fact that the firm of J. A Guserwa is acting for her in another suit as submitted herein. This is pegged on the right of every individual to be represented by counsel of own choice and which fact arose before this cause was allocated to me.
I have noted that my integrity or competence is not in question in handling this matter. This is so given my oath of service to dispense justice to my utmost knowledge and ability without fear, favour, bias, affection, ill will prejudice and any political, religious or other influence.
Issues in the judgment
#Date inconsistency: application dated 11th May 2025 but reply filed 12th May 2026 and submissions refer to filing on 11th May 2026.
Hearing scheduled for 7th October 2026 described as 'part-heard' though suit filed 2025 and listed for hearing 'within the same year'.
Key timeline
#Practical implications
#Frequently asked questions
#Cite this brief
#Cite this brief
Caselaw, "Patrick Otera Matere v Sic Investment Cooperative", Case Analysis (2026). ELRC Cause No. E261 of 2025. Source: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/keelrc/2026/2664/eng@2026-09-30
Suggested citation format for research notes or client memos. Always verify the original judgment before relying on any point.