Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has been elected the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), marking a pivotal leadership transition for Kenya’s legal fraternity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a tightly contested race held Thursday, February 19, 2026, Kanjama defeated fellow contenders Mwaura Kabata and Peter Wanyama to succeed outgoing President Faith Odhiambo.
The election, overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), drew participation from more than 18,000 advocates who cast their ballots at court stations nationwide. The significant turnout underscored the weight of the moment, as members of the bar selected leaders who will steer the society through a politically charged period.
Joining Kanjama in the executive leadership is Teresia Wavinya Nicholas, who secured the Vice President’s seat. The duo will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, a period that coincides with the country’s next general election cycle.
Kanjama, a seasoned litigator and Managing Partner at Muma & Kanjama Advocates, campaigned on a platform centered on institutional independence, professional integrity, and constructive judicial engagement. His message appeared to resonate with members seeking a strategic, reform-driven approach following years of assertive activism by the society.
The incoming council assumes office at a time when the LSK has grown increasingly vocal in national affairs. Among the immediate issues facing the new administration are:
2027 Election Preparedness; with Kenya’s next general election approaching, the society is expected to play a central role in handling potential presidential petitions and constitutional disputes. Ensuring legal readiness and safeguarding judicial independence will be critical.
Advocate Welfare; the shrinking legal job market, especially for young lawyers, remains a pressing concern. The rise of unqualified or “quack” practitioners has also sparked debate within the profession, raising questions about enforcement and professional standards.
Legislative Oversight; the LSK’s watchdog role in scrutinizing government policy, taxation frameworks, and constitutional amendments is likely to intensify as political campaigns gather momentum.
Kanjama’s election brings to a close the tenure of Faith Odhiambo, whose leadership was marked by a robust response to the 2024–2025 civil unrest and heightened engagement with national governance issues. The official handover ceremony is scheduled for March 2026.
As the legal fraternity ushers in new leadership, attention now turns to how the Kanjama administration will shape the society’s influence during one of Kenya’s most consequential electoral seasons.
In a tightly contested race held Thursday, February 19, 2026, Kanjama defeated fellow contenders Mwaura Kabata and Peter Wanyama to succeed outgoing President Faith Odhiambo.
The election, overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), drew participation from more than 18,000 advocates who cast their ballots at court stations nationwide. The significant turnout underscored the weight of the moment, as members of the bar selected leaders who will steer the society through a politically charged period.
Joining Kanjama in the executive leadership is Teresia Wavinya Nicholas, who secured the Vice President’s seat. The duo will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, a period that coincides with the country’s next general election cycle.
Kanjama, a seasoned litigator and Managing Partner at Muma & Kanjama Advocates, campaigned on a platform centered on institutional independence, professional integrity, and constructive judicial engagement. His message appeared to resonate with members seeking a strategic, reform-driven approach following years of assertive activism by the society.
The incoming council assumes office at a time when the LSK has grown increasingly vocal in national affairs. Among the immediate issues facing the new administration are:
2027 Election Preparedness; with Kenya’s next general election approaching, the society is expected to play a central role in handling potential presidential petitions and constitutional disputes. Ensuring legal readiness and safeguarding judicial independence will be critical.
Advocate Welfare; the shrinking legal job market, especially for young lawyers, remains a pressing concern. The rise of unqualified or “quack” practitioners has also sparked debate within the profession, raising questions about enforcement and professional standards.
Legislative Oversight; the LSK’s watchdog role in scrutinizing government policy, taxation frameworks, and constitutional amendments is likely to intensify as political campaigns gather momentum.
Kanjama’s election brings to a close the tenure of Faith Odhiambo, whose leadership was marked by a robust response to the 2024–2025 civil unrest and heightened engagement with national governance issues. The official handover ceremony is scheduled for March 2026.
As the legal fraternity ushers in new leadership, attention now turns to how the Kanjama administration will shape the society’s influence during one of Kenya’s most consequential electoral seasons.
