The outgoing President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Faith Odhiambo, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama on his election as the 52nd President of the society, following a closely monitored vote among advocates nationwide.
In a post on X shortly after the results were announced, Odhiambo hailed Kanjama’s victory as a significant achievement and praised his unwavering dedication to the legal profession.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to @ckanjama SC on his remarkable win in today’s election, making him the 52nd President of the @LawSocietyofKe. His exemplary service to the society and contributions to governance in Kenya position him as a deserving leader, embodying the LSK’s vision and mandate,” she expressed.
She further emphasized, “You inherit the leadership of a united, stable, and forward-looking society poised for success if guided with diligence and tact. The people of Kenya will look to your leadership during this crucial election period, and I am optimistic that you will uphold the rule of law and the Constitution. Serve with distinction.”
Election Results and Transition
Kanjama received 3,728 votes in the election overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. His nearest competitor, Peter Wanyama, secured 2,616 votes, while current LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata finished third with 2,086 votes.
Advocates from across the country participated in this election, which will see Kanjama serve a term from 2026 to 2028, succeeding Odhiambo. Transition arrangements are set to commence immediately, leading to a formal handover in accordance with the society’s regulations.
Following the announcement of the results, Kanjama described his victory as both an honor and a significant responsibility, expressing gratitude for the contributions of the outgoing leadership.
“I am grateful to build upon the foundation laid by the Law Society of Kenya. It is my duty to uphold the pledges and commitments I have made to the statutory role of the Law Society, ensuring I do not let down Kenyans, lawyers, my supporters, and all advocates—both those who voted and those who did not,” he stated.
A Call for Unity After a Grueling Race
Kanjama commended the election’s conduct and management, noting notable improvements over previous polls, and urged unity among members.
“It was indeed a challenging race. All three candidates performed admirably. However, the winner must embrace the others so that we all emerge as victors,” he remarked.
He also committed to addressing workplace challenges within the legal profession, including issues of harassment and professional conduct. “We cannot effectively champion human rights for our fellow Kenyans if we do not first advocate for our own rights within our workplaces,” Kanjama asserted.
As he looks ahead to the 2027 General Election, Kanjama acknowledged the existing preparedness gaps in Kenya and stated that the society will advocate for necessary statutory reforms, boundary delimitation, adequate funding, and the maintenance of high professional standards among lawyers involved in electoral processes.
