A light moment unfolded in Justice Chacha Mwita’s courtroom when a lawyer attempted to indicate that he would file his responses “at the end of COB.” The judge immediately cut him short, asking what exactly the phrase meant.
“I do not know what COB is, and it is not in our calendar,” Justice Mwita said firmly, cautioning the lawyer against using slang or unofficial abbreviations in court proceedings.
The judge reminded him that he was free to use either English or Swahili, but whichever language he chose had to be clear and proper. In response, the lawyer explained that he was Luo and that Kiswahili was difficult for him.
“I’m Luo, Kiswahili will be a problem,” he said.
Justice Mwita, however, advised him to stick to proper English while addressing the court. “Mr. Ochieng, just read the Constitution,” the judge told him, leaving the courtroom in shared amusement.
