Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has been elected the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), succeeding Faith Odhiambo.
He secured 3,728 votes, defeating Peter Wanyama with 2,616 votes, while outgoing Vice Chairperson Mwaura Kabata came third with 2,086 votes.
The election, held Thursday under the management of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), drew participation from more than 18,000 registered lawyers.
Kanjama will serve a two‑year term and will be deputised by lawyer Teresia Wavinya Nicholas.
Campaign Commitments: Partnering With the Young Bar
During the campaign, Kanjama positioned himself as a champion of young lawyers, pledging to make the LSK more responsive to their needs. He unveiled the R.I.P.E Commitment for the Young Bar, focusing on:
1️⃣ Economic Security – Protecting minimum remuneration and opening new practice frontiers.
2️⃣ Member Welfare – Integrating mental health frameworks into LSK programming.
3️⃣ Practice Protection – Enforcing zero‑tolerance for harassment and safeguarding professional dignity.
4️⃣ Structured Mentorship – Moving from informal advice to career‑defining guidance.
“Young lawyers, you deserve an LSK that works for your pocket, your health, and your growth. This is my commitment — leadership that partners with the Young Bar,” Kanjama said.
He emphasized that his promises were backed by a track record, citing his tenure as LSK Nairobi Chair, where he championed welfare, negotiated economic relief, strengthened protection mechanisms, and mentored the next generation.
Kabata Congratulates Kanjama
Despite his loss, Kabata extended warm congratulations to Kanjama, thanking his supporters and reflecting on the campaign trail.
“I congratulate Mr Charles Kanjama SC, who has been entrusted by advocates to serve as their 52nd President of the Law Society. To my team, supporters, agents, and colleagues who believed in the SDG manifesto, I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Kabata wrote.
He praised the friendships and partnerships formed during the campaign, joking that the only thing he lost was weight. Kabata pledged to support the new council as it takes office, noting the importance of strong leadership with national elections approaching.
Campaigns Under Scrutiny
The race was highly scrutinised, with candidates’ independence, financial backing, and professional engagements under the spotlight.
- Kanjama faced criticism over his representation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
- Wanyama drew questions about his work for county governments and potential conflicts of interest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Kabata was challenged over past allegations of case withdrawals during his tenure.
During a televised debate, the candidates disclosed campaign spending: Wanyama at Sh12 million, Kanjama at Sh6 million, and Kabata at Sh5 million.
Competing Visions for LSK
Each candidate presented distinct visions for the future of the Law Society:
- Kabata emphasized continuity, modernization, and activism, with a focus on institutional stability and ethical leadership.
- Kanjama pledged inclusivity, equality, and integrity, declaring: “Justice is not a product we sell; it is a standard we must live.” He argued that the LSK must first embody equality within its own ranks before advocating for it nationally.
- Wanyama highlighted county‑level legal reforms and broader engagement with public institutions.
Faith Odhiambo’s Legacy
Kanjama succeeds Faith Odhiambo, elected in March 2024. Her tenure was marked by advocacy for protesters’ rights, including calls for the release of those detained during anti‑finance bill demonstrations.
Kanjama’s victory ushers in a new chapter for the Law Society of Kenya at a critical moment. His presidency promises to prioritize young lawyers, inclusivity, and integrity, while navigating heightened scrutiny of legal institutions ahead of national elections.
