By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has ushered in its 52nd President, Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, following a spirited election that drew 8,600 advocates to the ballot.
Peter Wanyama, who was one of Kanjama’s challengers, observed that there might have been voter apathy as many eligible members did not participate in the election.
“LSK has over 26,000 members but only 18,000 are active and have taken out the practising certificate. But from the 18,000 active members only 8,600 advocates voted,” Wanyama said.
“These numbers make an interesting observation. In my pre-election analysis I anticipated that about 13,000 advocates would turn out to vote. I was wrong.”
Wanyama added that “the silent majority didn’t turn out to vote,” questioning whether structural reforms and digital innovations like blockchain‑based voting might be necessary to re‑engage members.
In his acceptance speech, Kanjama struck a tone of gratitude and resolve, pledging “sober, steady, and disciplined leadership” and affirming that “the vote of the people remains supreme.”
His words reflected both the legitimacy of his victory and the weight of expectation as he prepares to assume office in March.
Kanjama will take over from Faith Odhiambo, whose term in office has elapsed as per the LSK constitution.
Kanjama’s opponents, Mwaura Kabata and Wanyama, conceded but their messages offered a glimpse of the challenges ahead.
Kabata thanked his supporters warmly and quipped that “LSK has won, the only thing I have lost is weight.”
He pledged to support the new council, noting the critical timing as Kenya heads into national elections.
More pointed was Wanyama’s reflection in a detailed post‑mortem where he warned of the shrinking practising space for advocates and the urgent need to expand into emerging fields.
“We must consequentially, aggressively, and fiercely protect our dwindling practising space,” he wrote.