Charles Kanjama Elected as the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya
Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has been elected as the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) following the February 19 elections. His victory now places him at the helm of an influential professional body that represents more than 20,000 practising advocates across the country.
The election was conducted under the supervision of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the same constitutional body responsible for managing Kenya’s national elections.
Over 18,000 registered lawyers were eligible to vote in the exercise, making it one of the most closely watched professional elections in the country’s legal sector.
Kanjama will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028. He takes over from outgoing President Faith Odhiambo, who led the society during a period marked by intense constitutional debates, public interest litigation, and politically sensitive legal battles.
Her leadership was widely seen as steady during some of the country’s most challenging legal and governance moments.
A formal handover ceremony is expected to take place in March 2026. In the meantime, transition arrangements are already underway at the LSK headquarters in Nairobi. Kanjama’s incoming team has begun working closely with Odhiambo’s outgoing administration to ensure a smooth and orderly transfer of leadership.
During his campaign, Kanjama ran on what he called the RIPE agenda — a four-pillar platform focusing on Rule of Law, Integrity, Practice and Welfare, and Engagement. These themes struck a strong chord with advocates across Kenya’s 47 counties. Many lawyers expressed hope that his leadership will strengthen professional standards, protect the independence of the legal profession, and improve the welfare of advocates.
His victory attracted congratulatory messages from several prominent leaders across the political divide. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka publicly praised him and wished him success in his new role. Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale also congratulated Kanjama, describing him as both a personal friend and a deserving winner of the contest.
Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo, despite having supported a different candidate during the campaign period, also extended her warm wishes. Her message reflected the spirit of unity and professionalism that many hope will define the next chapter of the LSK under Kanjama’s leadership.
Among the first candidates to acknowledge the results was outgoing LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata, who finished third in the race. In a gracious statement, Kabata congratulated Kanjama and pledged his full support to the incoming council.
He emphasized the importance of unity within the society and called on advocates to rally behind the new leadership.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Charles Kanjama SC, who has been entrusted by Advocates to serve as their 52nd President of the Law Society,” Kabata said in his statement.
Kabata secured 2,086 votes, while Peter Wanyama, who finished second, garnered 2,616 votes. Both candidates trailed behind Kanjama, who secured a commanding 3,728 votes in what was widely described as a competitive three-horse race.
Legal observers and political analysts termed the outcome a clear and decisive mandate from the voting advocates.
Kabata further assured members that he and the outgoing team would cooperate fully with the new leadership to ensure continuity of the society’s programs and objectives. “We will support the new council as they undertake their mandate,” he stated, signaling a smooth transition and a commitment to institutional stability.
As President of the Law Society of Kenya, Kanjama will chair the governing Council and oversee the society’s strategic direction. He will represent Kenyan advocates in regional and international legal forums and play a key role in shaping policy discussions that affect the justice system.
Additionally, he will lead the society in public interest litigation, particularly in constitutional and human rights matters that directly impact ordinary Kenyans.
His election marks a new chapter for the LSK, with many advocates expressing optimism that his leadership will strengthen the rule of law, protect judicial independence, and enhance the voice of the legal profession in national conversations.
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