Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has emerged as the new President of the Law Society of Kenya, securing a clear mandate from his peers at a pivotal moment for the country’s legal profession.
Mr Kanjama won the closely contested race with 3,728 votes, defeating Peter Wanyama, who received 2,616, and the outgoing Vice President, Mwaura Kabata, who garnered 2,086. The result places Mr Kanjama at the helm of one of Kenya’s most influential professional bodies, which often stands at the centre of national debates on justice, constitutional order and governance.
The election drew widespread participation from advocates across the country. Many viewed the outcome as more than a routine leadership change. It was seen as a test of the profession’s priorities at a time when courts, lawyers and public institutions continue to face scrutiny over their independence and credibility.
Mr Kanjama, a seasoned constitutional lawyer and Senior Counsel, now succeeds Faith Odhiambo, whose tenure was marked by vocal advocacy on judicial independence and legal reforms. The transition signals continuity in the society’s longstanding role as both a regulator of professional standards and a watchdog over the rule of law.
Throughout the campaign, candidates presented sharply defined visions. They spoke about improving the welfare of advocates, defending the independence of the Bar, and strengthening the society’s engagement with state institutions. The debates, held both in person and online, reflected growing concern within the legal fraternity about professional standards, access to justice and the broader direction of governance in Kenya.
For many lawyers, the vote represented an opportunity to reaffirm the society’s voice at a time when legal questions increasingly shape political and public life. The Law Society of Kenya frequently weighs in on constitutional disputes, judicial reforms and legislation, often offering expert legal opinions that carry national significance.
Mr Kanjama’s victory gives him the responsibility of guiding the society through the 2026–2028 term. His leadership comes at a time when the legal profession faces evolving challenges, from protecting judicial independence to ensuring lawyers remain central to democratic accountability.
The incoming president is expected to oversee the transition in accordance with the society’s regulations. The handover process is likely to begin immediately, marking the formal start of his tenure.
Beyond the numbers, the election reflects something deeper. It shows a legal community actively shaping its future, aware of its influence and its duty. In Kenya, where the law often intersects with politics and public life, the leadership of the Law Society carries weight far beyond the courtroom.
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