The corridors of justice fall silent as the Law Society of Kenya's chaotic campaign season concludes, setting the stage for a pivotal leadership vote.

The posters are coming down, and the WhatsApp groups are finally falling silent. The frenetic campaign period for the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) elections has officially come to a close, leaving the country's 20,000-plus advocates to ponder their choice for the next two years. With the term of the current Council expiring at the end of this month, the stakes could not be higher. The legal fraternity is not just choosing a president; they are choosing the face of Kenya's civil society in an era of increasing executive overreach.

This election cycle has been defined by intense debate over the independence of the Bar and the welfare of young advocates. As the dust settles, the focus shifts to the ballot box, where three heavyweights are vying to steer the society through the turbulent waters of 2026-2028.

The Contenders

The race for the LSK Presidency has narrowed down to a three-horse contest, featuring seasoned legal minds who offer starkly different visions for the society:

• Charles Njiru Kanjama: The senior counsel is running on a platform of "Restoring Dignity," promising to professionalize the secretariat and increase member benefits.
• Peter Wanyama Manyonge: A devolution law expert, Wanyama has campaigned on "Inclusivity and Devolution," pledging to devolve more LSK resources to upcountry branches.
• Mwaura Kabata: Positioning himself as the candidate for the "Young Bar," Kabata focuses on mentorship and protecting junior lawyers from exploitation.

The Vice-Presidency Battle

Equally heated is the race for the Vice Presidency, with Debora Anditi, Nicholas Wavinya, and Elizabeth Wanjeri locking horns. The gender composition of the final ticket will be crucial, as the LSK has traditionally sought balance in its top leadership.

A Bar Divided?

The outgoing council faces mixed reviews. While praised for its stance on public interest litigation, it has faced criticism for internal wrangles. The incoming team will inherit a full in-tray: a government increasingly hostile to court orders, a backlog of disciplinary cases, and the perennial issue of quacks infiltrating the profession. "We need a gladiator, not just a manager," noted one senior advocate. "The rule of law is under siege." As lawyers head to the polls, the nation watches. The LSK remains one of the few statutory bodies with the muscle to check government excess, and its leadership choice matters far beyond the courtroom.