The legal fraternity is casting its verdict today as thousands of lawyers queue to elect the next President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), a body that serves as the nation’s premier defender of the rule of law.

Voting kicked off this morning across the country, with three heavyweights battling for the top seat: Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, Peter Wanyama, and Mwaura Kabata. The election is seen as a pivotal moment for the society, which is torn between functioning as a professional guild for its members and a militant pressure group holding the government to account.

The Contenders

The race has been defined by the "Young Bar"—the influx of newly admitted advocates who face unemployment and poor pay. Peter Wanyama has positioned himself as the champion of the grassroots, promising reforms in the remuneration order and fierce defense of lawyers’ livelihoods. Charles Kanjama, a seasoned litigator, campaigns on a platform of "Transformational Leadership," aiming to professionalize the secretariat and deepen the LSK’s influence on national policy.

Mwaura Kabata runs on a legacy of empowering the branches, arguing that Nairobi should not monopolize the society’s resources. The campaigns have been intense, dominated by debates on the construction of the "Wakili Towers" and the management of the society’s billions in assets.

• The Candidates: Charles Kanjama, Peter Wanyama, Mwaura Kabata.
• The Key Issue: Welfare of young lawyers and the LSK's national role.
• The Voters: Over 20,000 registered members.
• The Stakes: Control of Kenya's most influential professional body.

A Barometer for Democracy

The LSK election is often viewed as a microcosm of Kenyan national politics. The society has historically been the last line of defense against executive overreach. The winner today will inherit the mantle from the outgoing council and will be expected to lead the charge on constitutionalism as the country heads toward the 2027 general election.

Polling stations at the Milimani Law Courts and other High Court stations opened at 8:00 AM. While the atmosphere is collegial, the undertones are serious. Lawyers are not just choosing a chairman; they are choosing the voice that will speak when the law is silent. Results are expected late this evening.