Lawyers Across Kenya Go to the Polls in High-Stakes LSK Election Amid Accountability Debate

By Kimagata Marinday, Nairobi

Lawyers across the country on Thursday went to the polls to elect new officials of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), setting the stage for a leadership transition at one of the country’s most influential professional bodies.

As voting got underway, Edwin Sifuna cast his ballot and framed the contest as critical to Kenya’s broader struggle for accountability and the rule of law.

Sifuna said the LSK has, over the last two years, emerged as one of the most consequential institutions in confronting impunity and abuse of power, often stepping into legal and constitutional battles of national significance.

“Elections matter. The LSK has been one of the most consequential organizations in the fight against impunity and abuse of power in the last two years. I have voted for a new team this morning hoping and praying that they will continue the good work Faith Odhiambo and Co have been doing,” Sifuna said.

Under the leadership of outgoing president Faith Odhiambo, the society has taken firm positions on governance, human rights and constitutional compliance, at times clashing with State agencies while defending civil liberties in court.

Advocates turned out in significant numbers to choose leaders who will steer the powerful professional body at a time of heightened political tensions and growing public scrutiny of State institutions. In recent years, the LSK has positioned itself as a watchdog on executive authority, filing court petitions and issuing public statements on controversial government actions.

Those seeking the top position of President include Peter Wanyama, Charles Kanjama and Mwaura Kabata, all of whom have campaigned on platforms centred on reform, accountability and strengthening the voice of the Bar.

The election comes at a significant political moment as the country edges closer to the next General Election, placing the legal body at the centre of key constitutional and governance conversations.