As the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) prepares for its February presidential election, three prominent lawyers are emerging as the front‑runners to succeed outgoing president Faith Odhiambo.
The contest is shaping up as a competitive, all‑male race between:
- Mwaura Kabata, the current LSK vice‑president,
- Peter Wanyama, last cycle’s runner‑up, and
- Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, returning to the fray after losing to Nelson Havi in 2020.
All three candidates are criss‑crossing the country to rally support from fellow advocates, with particular focus on the junior bar, whose backing proved decisive in the previous election that Odhiambo won.
Candidates and Their Platforms
Mwaura Kabata is campaigning on a promise to advance the rule of law, human rights and lawyer welfare. As vice‑president under Odhiambo, he says he will build on her legacy and foster unity within the profession. His slogan, “A Brave, Bold and Boundless LSK,” reflects his vision of a more proactive and inclusive society.
Peter Wanyama, a senior partner with nearly two decades in practice, is pitching himself as a candidate focused on tangible results rather than rhetoric. He argues that the LSK should do more to address the disconnect between legal education and employment opportunities for young lawyers — a key issue he believes the society has neglected.
Charles Kanjama, with more than 20 years in legal practice and leadership of his own firm’s dispute resolution department, is campaigning on experience and a commitment to integrity and member welfare. However, some colleagues have questioned his impartiality on certain social issues because of his public positions on matters like abortion.
Issues Energising the Bar
The race is not just about personalities. Online discussions among advocates reveal broader concerns shaping voter sentiment:
- Corruption within the judiciary and alleged financial mismanagement at the LSK.
- Perceptions of government interference, with some candidates labelled as aligned with state interests.
- Internal divisions between senior and junior lawyers over priorities and leadership style.
Winning over the bar’s next generation — the junior advocates — is being seen as especially crucial, given their growing numbers and influence within the society.
A Critical Moment for the Bar
Faith Odhiambo’s tenure, which began in 2024, marked only the second time a woman has led the LSK and followed years of fractious politics at the top of the society.
Her leadership has set a precedent for engagement on national issues, including justice reforms and professional welfare. As her term draws to a close, the election is being watched closely both within and outside the legal community for indications of the direction the LSK will take next.
With election day approaching, the fight for the top seat reflects deeper questions about the future of Kenya’s legal profession — from ethical leadership and member support to the role of the bar in defending constitutionalism and the rule of law.
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