Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has been elected President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) after securing 3,728 votes in a closely watched contest that drew intense interest across Kenya’s legal fraternity.
According to the final results, Kanjama established a clear lead over his closest challenger Peter Wanyama, who garnered 2,616 votes, while current LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata finished third with 2,086 votes.
The nationwide voting exercise, which saw robust participation by advocates, underscored the growing significance of the LSK presidency in shaping legal practice, policy direction and the defence of constitutionalism in Kenya.
Kanjama now takes over from outgoing President Faith Odhiambo, stepping into office at a time when the legal profession faces mounting internal and external pressures.
Observers within the Bar say the margin of victory gives Kanjama a firm mandate to pursue the reform agenda he outlined during the campaign. The race was marked by spirited debates, policy-heavy engagements and unusually strong digital mobilisation, reflecting a profession increasingly attuned to both institutional welfare and national governance concerns.
Throughout the campaign period, candidates presented competing visions on key issues affecting advocates, including members’ welfare, protection of the independence of the Bar, engagement with State institutions and the broader defence of the rule of law.
Kanjama’s message — which blended institutional reform with professional welfare — appears to have resonated strongly with voters across regions.
His election comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s legal sector. Many young advocates continue to raise concerns over delayed payments, difficult working conditions and shrinking fee structures. At the same time, the LSK has faced growing expectations to take firm positions on constitutional and governance questions.
The society remains a powerful voice in Kenya’s justice ecosystem, frequently filing public interest litigation, advising Parliament on proposed laws and weighing in on major constitutional disputes.
Legal analysts say the new president will need to balance internal member concerns with the society’s broader watchdog role in safeguarding the rule of law.
Transition arrangements are expected to commence immediately, with a formal handover to follow in accordance with the society’s regulations. Insiders indicate that attention will quickly shift to how the new leadership structures its council and prioritizes early reforms.
For now, Kanjama’s decisive victory signals a clear mood within the Bar for steady but assertive leadership.
Whether that mandate translates into tangible reforms — both for advocates and for Kenya’s broader justice system — will define his 2026–2028 tenure at the helm of one of the country’s most influential professional bodies.
