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Lawyers head to the polls to elect 52nd LSK president
Law Society of Kenya presidential candidates (from left) Mwaura Kabata, Peter Wanyama and Charles Kanjama debate at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi on February 16, 2026.
What you need to know:
- Over 20,000 advocates are voting today to choose the 52nd president of the Law Society of Kenya, a two-year term that will oversee the 2027 General Election.
- Candidates are fiercely targeting Nairobi’s massive voting bloc and the increasingly influential "younger bar".
- The winner must navigate complex relationships with the Executive while upholding the rule of law during anticipated national challenges like the Gen Z protest anniversaries.
Advocates across the country will head to the polls today to elect the 52nd president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The election will determine who will lead the society for the next two years, overseeing the affairs of more than 20,000 practising advocates in Kenya. The highly anticipated race has drawn significant attention from the legal community and the wider public.
The presidential race is a fiercely competitive one, with three candidates vying for the top position. Senior counsel Charles Kanjama, a well-established figure in the legal profession, will face off against Peter Wanyama, a former LSK presidential hopeful, and Mwaura Kabata, the current vice president of the society.
Each of these candidates brings a wealth of experience and a distinct vision for the future of the legal profession in Kenya.
In addition to the presidential election, the LSK members will also cast their votes for the vice president. The candidates for this position include Debora Ajwang, Teresia Wavinya, and Elizabeth Wanjeri. The vice president will play a crucial role in supporting the president in their duties and also serving as a key figure in society’s decision-making processes.
Further elections will take place to fill several other critical positions within the society. These include council members who represent various sectors of the legal community, including general members with at least 25 years of practice, as well as regional representatives for Nairobi, Upcountry, and the Coast.
The advocates will also elect members to serve on the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal, a body that plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the profession.
The election is being managed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), ensuring a transparent and fair process.
Candidates are particularly keen on securing the support of Nairobi, which has the highest concentration of advocates, as well as the younger bar, which has become increasingly influential in the direction of society.
Nairobi’s large voting bloc is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the election, with each candidate working hard to appeal to the capital's legal professionals.
Mr Wanyama, running for the presidency for the second time, will be hoping to secure the vote after losing to Ms Odhiambo in the 2024 election.
Law Society of Kenya presidential candidates (from left) Mwaura Kabata, Peter Wanyama and Charles Kanjama debate at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi on February 16, 2026.
In that race, Ms Odhiambo, who had a strong backing from the younger advocates, received a total of 2,116 votes across all 14 polling stations at the Milimani and Supreme Court buildings, while Mr Wanyama garnered 1,395 votes in Nairobi alone.
The next president of the LSK will serve a two-year term, which will be marked by significant legal challenges, including the 2027 General Election and potential presidential petitions.
These moments often thrust the society’s voice into the national spotlight, as it takes an active role in safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring justice is upheld.
The new LSK president will also be expected to address key issues affecting the legal profession, including the anniversary of the Gen Z protests scheduled for June.
Ms Odhiambo won the admiration of many Kenyans with her bold stance during the protests, showing up at courts to defend demonstrators and visiting police stations to demand the release of those arrested during the unrest.
The society's relationship with the Executive will also be closely scrutinised, with advocates eager to see how the next leader will navigate these complex and often politically charged issues.
Ms Odhiambo was forced to resign as the vice president of the task force on the Presidential Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, after Kenyans questioned her move.
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