- Senior Advocate Charles Kanjama has won the LSK presidency after defeating his rivals Peter Wanyama and Mwaura Kabata in a closely watched national vote.
- The election, held with the help of the IEBC in about 40 cities, indicates a large participation of lawyers
- Kanjama, who succeeds outgoing president Faith Odhiambo, laid out an ambitious agenda aimed at the rule of law, judicial independence, and the welfare of lawyers
Senior Advocate Charles Kanjama has been elected President of the Kenya Lawyers Association (LSK).
Source: Facebook
This is after getting 3,728 votes in a fierce election that attracted attention throughout the legal industry in the country.
The provisional results of the vote show Kanjama clearly leading against his nearest rival, Peter Wanyama, who got 2,616 votes, while the former vice president of LSK Mwaura Kabata finishing third with 2,086 votes.
The election, which was held with the support of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), witnessed the participation of lawyers from various polling stations across the country.
Kanjama’s victory marks a leadership transition at the influential academic body, as he prepares to succeed outgoing president Faith Odhiambo for the 2026-2028 term.
How did Kanjama react to his victory?
The LSK plays a central role in shaping the legal landscape in Kenya, often taking positions on constitutional issues, judicial reform, and broader public interest issues.
Speaking after obtaining the interim results at the LSK headquarters, Kanjama took a conciliatory position, describing the results as a joint victory for the legal profession and the nation as a whole.
“I think I feel good because Kenyans who are lawyers have exercised their democratic right. So I think it’s a good thing because democracy has won and all lawyers are winners. Those who voted for me, those who voted for my opponents, because they participated in the democratic process. And when it’s over, we congratulate all the candidates, all the supporters, all the voters, and indeed the entire Kenya Lawyers Association. And we also know that the Kenya Lawyers Association has a responsibility towards the public, and the general public is eager to know who is the President of the Kenya Lawyers Association. So it is a victory for all Kenyans, and I am happy about that,” he said.
He noted that the election process showed the active participation of members across the country, with voting taking place in about 40 towns and many centers in Nairobi alone.
According to him, the exercise emphasized the importance of the party not only as a professional body, but also as an institution that serves the public and attracts national interests.
The new president of LSK explained the four main pillars that will guide his leadership: strengthening the rule of law, protecting the integrity and independence of lawyers and courts, improving the well-being and working environment for lawyers, and strengthening participation within the party’s structures.
“We need to strengthen the aspect of the rule of law within the Kenya Bar Association, to make it national, and also to remove it from the state of only reacting to events and also to participate by way of precedent in matters of the rule of law,” said Kanjama, adding that the party must also defend accountability and efficiency within the justice system.
When will Kanjama take over from Faith Odhiambo?
In addition, he emphasized the need to unite decentralized party structures, including branches, chapters, and various lawyers’ associations, in order to strengthen the voice and influence of the legal profession in promoting access to justice.
Source: Facebook
Kabata conceded defeat and congratulated Kanjama, thanking his supporters and his campaign team.
He added that he will support the new leadership when it takes the responsibility of leading the party in what he described as an important period for the nation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Charles Kanjama SC, who has been entrusted by Mawaki to serve as their 52nd President of the Bar Association. I wish Kanjama all the best as he takes the leadership of the Kenya Bar Association, especially at this important time when the nation is heading for elections. We will support the new council as they carry out their duties. God bless the Bar Association and God bless Kenya,” said Kabata.
Kanjama will be assisted by lawyer Teresia Wavinya Nicholas as part of the new council expected to lead the party for the next two years.
Transition plans have begun immediately, with the official handover expected to take place during the party’s annual general meeting in March.
Why was Wetang’ula prevented from voting?
As previously reported, the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula was prevented from voting in the LSK elections after his name was missing from the voters’ register.
He had arrived at the Supreme Court of Kenya hoping to participate but was denied the opportunity.
After asking, the secretary of the electoral board of LSK Owiso Owiso explained that Wetang’ula did not have a valid attorney’s certificate, which is a requirement to be eligible to participate.
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