A brewing storm within the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) threatens to strip high-profile lawyers—including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, former LSK President Nelson Havi, and Martha Karua—of the prestigious rank of Senior Counsel (SC).

The controversy centers on a petition filed by a faction of advocates who argue that the recent mass conferment of the title by President Ruto was "politically motivated" and diluted the sanctity of the "Silk." The petitioners claim that the selection process ignored the rigorous criteria of litigation experience and professional integrity, turning a mark of legal excellence into a political reward.

The "Dilution" Argument

Historically, the title of Senior Counsel was reserved for the crème de la crème of the bar—legal titans like Gibson Kamau Kuria and Paul Muite who had shaped the country’s jurisprudence. However, the recent gazettement of 54 new names has sparked outrage.

• The Complaint: Critics argue that some appointees, primarily politicians, lack the requisite courtroom track record. "You cannot be a Senior Counsel if your only submission is in Parliament, not the Supreme Court," argued one petitioner.
• The Consequences: If the court revokes the appointments, it would be a humiliating blow to the affected leaders. They would lose privileges such as precedence in court and the right to wear special robes.
• LSK Stance: The LSK Council is reportedly divided, with younger lawyers pushing for a "merit-only" system to protect the profession's integrity.

A Battle for the Bar's Soul

This legal tussle is more than just about titles; it is a fight for the independence of the legal profession. As the judiciary faces executive pressure, the bar is drawing a line in the sand: legal honors must be earned in the corridors of justice, not the corridors of power.