The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has broken its silence on a disturbing wave of sexual harassment allegations rocking the legal profession, vowing zero tolerance for abusers who exploit vulnerable juniors in law firms, NGOs, and other legal setups.
In a pointed statement released today, LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the “wanton sexual harassment” targeting young professionals—both male and female—as a grave violation of ethical standards, professional misconduct, and outright criminal behavior under Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act.
The outcry stems from numerous complaints flooding social media platforms, where associates, interns, and pupils accuse senior colleagues of abusing power through unwanted advances, coercion, and creating hostile work environments. These reports highlight a toxic culture where juniors fear speaking out due to career vulnerabilities.
Odhiambo emphasized that such conduct “offends the ethical standards of the legal profession” and undermines the dignity of those entering the field. She pointed to the LSK’s Sexual Harassment and Anti-Bullying Policy (SHABP), adopted in 2019, which promotes safe workplaces, zero tolerance, and clear reporting mechanisms. The policy covers all staff categories—including pupils and interns—and extends to offices, client meetings, business travel, social events, and online communications.
Despite the framework, challenges persist. Odhiambo referenced a recent Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal (DT) ruling on November 27, 2025, involving an advocate accused by 22 colleagues of harassment. Supported by the LSK Gender Committee, the case saw only one victim formally join due to reluctance from others. The DT ruled it lacked jurisdiction, deeming sexual harassment a criminal offense better suited for police prosecution rather than disciplinary proceedings.
“This decision is regrettable,” Odhiambo stated, “as it exposes a gap in the legal framework.” She called for urgent law reforms to embed the SHABP into statute via Parliament, including amending Section 60 of the Advocates Act to explicitly define sexual harassment as “disgraceful or dishonorable conduct” incompatible with advocacy.
The LSK urged victims to pursue dual paths: internal channels via the Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC) or DT, and criminal reports to police for full accountability. The society pledged support through its Gender Committee, including assistance for complainants.
To strengthen enforcement, the LSK has ramped up awareness via webinars, pamphlets, Legal Awareness Weeks, surveys, and branch engagements. It proposes requiring law firms to adopt a model SHABP during Practicing Certificate renewals—a move that has sparked debate but is seen as key to uniform compliance.
For victim support, collaborations are underway with the Advocates Benevolent Association (ABA) for free counseling via registered therapists, FIDA-Kenya for investigations, and the Witness Protection Agency for safeguarding vulnerable reporters.
Odhiambo concluded with a rallying call: “Sexual harassment is a grave social issue and criminal offense that undermines the right to work freely. It requires deliberate, consolidated efforts to detect, prosecute perpetrators, deter recurrence, and rehabilitate victims. We must all actively protect our practice environment from those who threaten colleagues’ safety and bring disrepute to the profession—this duty belongs to every one of us.”
The statement arrives amid broader scrutiny of workplace harassment in Kenya’s legal sector, with media reports and social media amplifying calls for systemic change. As the profession grapples with these revelations, the LSK’s push for reform and support signals a potential turning point toward greater accountability and safer spaces for aspiring lawyers.
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