Outgoing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has officially handed over the reins to Charles Kanjama, challenging the newly elected leader to fiercely defend the rule of law and maintain the society's bold stance against executive overreach in Kenya.

Charles Kanjama has officially taken the helm as the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya, securing a decisive victory with 3,728 votes. Outgoing President Faith Odhiambo passionately urged him to “serve with distinction.”

Kanjama's ascent comes at a defining moment for Kenya's legal fraternity. With the country approaching the 2027 General Elections and the executive frequently clashing with the judiciary, the LSK's role as the vanguard of constitutionalism has never been more critical. The new leadership must now navigate a highly polarized political landscape while uniting a deeply divided profession across East Africa.

The transition ceremony, held in Nairobi, was marked by a sense of urgency and profound responsibility. Faith Odhiambo, whose tenure was characterized by fearless litigation against state excesses and unconstitutional tax levies, did not mince her words. She emphasized that the LSK is not merely a professional guild, but the ultimate bulwark protecting ordinary Kenyans from systemic impunity. Kanjama, a seasoned litigator with decades of experience, acknowledged the weight of the mandate bestowed upon him by his peers, promising to elevate the standards of legal practice while fighting for the rights of the marginalized.

The Weight of the Presidency

Taking over the LSK is no small feat in a country where the rule of law is constantly tested. Kanjama inherits an organization that has been at the forefront of challenging controversial fiscal policies, defending the independence of the judiciary, and calling out human rights abuses by security forces. The recent anti-government protests, which saw arbitrary arrests and abductions across various counties, remain fresh in the minds of the legal community. The LSK, under Odhiambo, provided pro-bono legal assistance to hundreds of detained youths, setting a high bar for civic responsibility that Kanjama is now expected to surpass.

Kanjama’s immediate task will be to assure the public that the society will not relent. He has built a reputation as a meticulous constitutional lawyer, often appearing in high-stakes Supreme Court battles. However, transitioning from a private practitioner to the chief spokesperson for Kenya's legal conscience requires a paradigm shift. He must balance the diverse interests of the LSK council, which includes conservative elements and progressive activists, ensuring that internal politics do not derail the society's core mission of promoting justice and equity.

• Secured 3,728 votes to become the 52nd LSK President.
• Takes over from Faith Odhiambo after a highly contested national election.
• Key priorities include defending judicial independence and addressing lawyer welfare.
• Must navigate the complex socio-political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.

A Fragmented Profession

Beyond national politics, Kanjama faces pressing internal challenges that threaten the cohesion of the society. Voter apathy was a significant concern during the recent elections, as highlighted by his competitor Peter Wanyama. Many young lawyers feel disconnected from the LSK, citing exorbitant practicing fees and a lack of tangible benefits. The rampant issue of quacks masquerading as advocates has also eroded public trust and deprived legitimate practitioners of much-needed income. Kanjama’s manifesto promised a robust crackdown on these impostors and the implementation of better welfare structures, including comprehensive health insurance for all registered members.

Furthermore, the LSK must address the changing dynamics of legal practice in East Africa. With the integration of the East African Community (EAC) market, Kenyan lawyers are facing increased cross-border competition. Kanjama will need to spearhead initiatives that equip local advocates with specialized skills in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, data protection, and international commercial arbitration. The economic realities are stark; many entry-level lawyers earn well below the living wage, prompting urgent calls for the strict enforcement of minimum remuneration guidelines.

Looking to the Future

The relationship between the LSK and the Executive branch remains the elephant in the room. The current administration has occasionally exhibited hostility towards court orders, prompting the LSK to organize nationwide boycotts and protests in the past. Kanjama’s diplomatic yet firm approach will be tested early in his tenure. He must engage the Attorney General and the Chief Justice to ensure that the administration of justice is not compromised by budget cuts or political interference. The recent reduction in the judiciary's allocation has already slowed down the delivery of justice, exacerbating the massive backlog of cases.

As Kanjama settles into his new office at the LSK headquarters in Nairobi, the expectations from both the legal fraternity and the general public are sky-high. He is not just representing lawyers; he is representing the silenced and the marginalized citizens of Kenya. Faith Odhiambo’s parting words, urging him to serve with distinction, serve as a constant reminder of the sacred duty the LSK owes to the Kenyan people. He cannot afford to fail in this critical mandate.

“The law is a shield for the vulnerable, and the LSK must never let that shield drop,” Kanjama noted during his acceptance, signaling a tenure that promises to be both vigilant and uncompromising.