LSK boss resigns from compensation panel
Odhiambo had been appointed as the Vice Chairperson of the Panel.
1mon agoPERPETUA ETYANGNews
Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama. /CHARLES KANJAMA/XSenior Counsel Charles Kanjama has formally declared his bid for the Law Society of Kenya presidency for the 2026–28 term.
He announced on X on Friday afternoon.
In his statement, he said: “After thoughtful consideration & counsel, I will run for President of the Law Society of Kenya (2026-28). The Time is ripe for a clean, principled campaign and leadership focused on Rule of Law, Integrity, Practice & Welfare, and Engagement.”
This will be Kanjama’s second attempt at the LSK’s top job.
He previously contested the presidency in 2020, when Nelson Havi emerged victorious.
In that election, Havi secured 2,675 votes, while Kanjama garnered 1,246, losing by a margin of 1,429 votes.
Following his defeat, Kanjama delivered a concession that reflected his commitment to the profession and respect for democratic processes.
He said, “I congratulate my classmate Nelson Havi on running a bold and effective campaign that has captured the confidence of lawyers across the country. I congratulate him on a race well run and, as a democrat, am happy to accept the will of the voters.
"On my part, I pledge to support Havi. I wish him success wholeheartedly and urge all lawyers to do the same. We all need LSK to succeed.”
Havi was succeeded by Faith Odhiambo following the 2024 elections, defeating Peter Wanyama, Carolyne Kamende, Bernard Ngetich and Harriet Mboche.
Odhiambo secured 3,113 votes while her closest rival, Wanyama, got 2,165.
Her tenure is set to run through 2026, opening the stage for Kanjama’s upcoming challenge.
Kanjama boasts of substantial leadership experience within the Law Society of Kenya.
He served as the first Chair of the LSK Nairobi Branch from 2016 to 2020 and has also held positions as Council Member and Treasurer.
Professionally, he is the managing partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution Department at Muma & Kanjama Advocates, with expertise in constitutional and commercial litigation, arbitration, tax law and governance.
He is also a Certified Mediator, Certified Secretary and Certified Public Accountant.
Kanjama was conferred the rank of Senior Counsel (SC) on August 5, 2022, by then President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He joined the coveted exclusive club with seven other senior lawyers, including Allen Gichuhi, who was then serving as LSK chairperson.
Others were McCourt Kevin Dermot, Lillian Wakiiya, Gathenji Mbuthi, Kibet Jinaro Kipkemoi, Kamau Karori and Eric Mutua.
“May it be known by all persons, authorities, and institutions that the aforementioned Advocates shall have all the precedence and privileges of the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel,” Uhuru said in a gazette notice.
With his announcement, Kanjama positions himself as a principled alternative, focusing on integrity, the rule of law and the welfare of lawyers.
Many welcomed his bid, with one saying: "If I were a lawyer, I’d vote for this guy based on the fact that I’ve seen him on panels and he has sober, unbiased views. I haven’t heard of him in any scandal. All the best, Sir."
"Ambitious move. Excited to hear your plan for addressing the pressing issues advocates face today," added another.
Kanjama's prior experience and public endorsements, even from outside the legal fraternity, suggest that his second run could be one of the most closely watched campaigns in recent LSK history.
