‘I’m Luo, Kiswahili will be a problem’: Laughter in Nairobi court as Judge questions lawyer's language

A light moment unfolded at the Milimani Law Courts on Friday during the mention of a case when a lawyer informed the bench he would file his responses “at the end of COB.”

Justice Chacha Mwita immediately interjected, asking what the phrase meant.

“I do not know what COB is, and it is not in our calendar,” the judge remarked firmly.

The acronym “COB” is commonly used in professional settings to mean “close of business.”

The judge then advised the lawyer to use either English or Kiswahili when addressing the court.

In response, the lawyer explained that he was Luo and found Kiswahili challenging.

“I’m Luo, Kiswahili will be a problem,” he responded.

Justice Mwita advised him to stick to proper English when addressing the court, adding with a touch of humor:

“Mr. Ochieng, just read the Constitution.”