As lawyers head to the ballot this Thursday, the race for the LSK Presidency has morphed into a multi-million shilling spectacle, raising questions about the soul of the legal profession.

The corridors of justice have been plastered with posters, and the boardrooms of Nairobi’s law firms are buzzing with one topic: the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) elections. Scheduled for this Thursday, February 19, 2026, the vote to replace outgoing President Faith Odhiambo has become the most expensive and fiercely contested in the society’s history.

Estimates suggest the leading candidates—Peter Wanyama, Charles Kanjama, and Mwaura Kabata—have collectively torched upwards of KES 23 million in their bid to lead the premier bar association. The sheer scale of spending has shocked many observers, transforming a professional service election into a mini-general election.

The Contenders

• Peter Wanyama: The self-styled defender of devolution, Wanyama has run a slick, high-visibility campaign. He admits to spending heavily (approx. KES 12 million) but argues it is necessary to reach the society’s expanded membership of over 20,000 lawyers.
• Charles Kanjama: The Senior Counsel brings gravitas and experience. His campaign has focused on professional dignity and structural reform, costing an estimated KES 6 million. He positions himself as the "safe pair of hands."
• Mwaura Kabata: The current Vice President is the continuity candidate, pledging to build on the gains of the current council. His spend is leaner (approx. KES 5 million), emphasizing accessibility over glitz.

The "Sexual Harassment" Shadow

Beyond the money, the campaign has forced a reckoning with the profession’s darker side.A debate hosted by FIDA Kenya revealed that sexual harassment remains a pervasive barrier, locking women out of top leadership. Candidates have been pressed to go beyond platitudes and commit to enforcing the 2019 Anti-Bullying Policy, which many female advocates say is currently a paper tiger.

Why It Matters

The LSK is not just a club for lawyers; it is a statutory watchdog mandated to check government excess. In a country with a powerful executive and a fluid political opposition, the LSK President is often the de facto Leader of the Opposition on matters of law and constitutionality.

The winner on Thursday will inherit a divided society and a litigious government. Whether they bought the seat or earned it, their real test will be whether they can speak truth to power when the campaign posters come down.