Lawyer Peter Wanyama now says that propaganda that claimed he was sponsored by the government to vie for the Law Society of Kenya presidency hurt his campaign.
In his concession statement, Wanyama said he used his personal and very limited resources, insisting that no money came from the state as widely claimed.
"The propaganda that I was government-sponsored hurt my campaign because throughout the period I have used very limited resources. No single coin from government," he said on X.
"Secondly, I have taken major cases against the national government to protect devolution. Devolution is strong today because of the litigation I championed. I have tried to mentor many young lawyers but the propaganda was also very strong on this point."
Wanyama went on to say that the other major reason he lost the election to Faith Odhiambo was because of the demographics in the legal profession.
He said the profession has many young lawyers he did not reach during the campaigns.
"I think we have partly lost the elections because of the demographics in the legal profession. I needed more time to convince the young bar that I mean well and that I am a wonderful human being," he said.
Wanyama lost to Faith Odhiambo who was elected the new LSK president on Thursday.
The race for the presidency was between five candidates: Peter Wanyama, Carolyne Kamende, Faith Odhiambo, Harriet Mboche and Kipkoech Bernhard Ngetich.
Results seen by the Star show Odhiambo got 3,113 votes followed closely by Wanyama who had 2,165 votes.
Kamede had 888 votes, Ng'etich 833 votes and Mboche 511 votes.
Wanyama noted that while he has lost to Faith, he believes that he won at heart.
He added that while he did not get to campaign in all counties, through the campaign period, he has made friends, expanded his network and tested his leadership skills, and he will now go back to focusing on his private practice and research.
"Myself- I have lost on paper to Faith Odhiambo ( who I unreserved congratulate) but I have won at heart. I have achieved my lifetime objective of interacting with colleagues and demonstrated the eternal verities and the spirit of Ubuntu. I have made friends, created networks, and tested my leadership skills in an 'election exam.'
"Allow me to thank all my supporters who believed in the cause. You are special. I will be forever indebted. I will not fall into the trap of complaints, and lamentations that is characteristic of losers of elections. Tomorrow, I will go back to my practice and continue to serve clients," Wanyama said.
