Senior Counsel: New list of 54 includes Haji, Muli, Havi, Kibwana, Aura, Ongoya, Karigithu and more

The Committee on Senior Counsel (SC) has proposed conferring 54 people with the coveted title, which is Kenya’s highest legal rank. They include National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji, former PS Nancy Karigithu, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Amb Koki Muli and President William Ruto’s former ICC defense lawyer Katwa Kigen. 

This comes after a three-year gap since the last conferment in 2022, when former President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded the title to 24 advocates. If approved, the new cohort will increase Kenya’s total number of Senior Counsels from 66 to 120.

Others in this year's elite list include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s  lawyer during impeachment Elisha Ongoya, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chair Ahmed Issack Hassan and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) presidents Nelson Havi and Eric Theuri.

The shortlist, the team led by SC Philip Murgor said, was derived from a call for applications that numbered 105.

Below is the list of the proposed new Senior Counsel:

1.Rapinder Singh Sehmi
2 Paul Ndiritu Ndungu 
3 Clement Muturi Kigano 
4 Eliud Ng’ang'a Njoroge
5 Evans Thiga Gaturu
6 Ambrose Rachier Otieno 
7 Richard Omwela 
8 Moses Masika Wetangula 
9 Alexandra Kontos 
10 Nancy Wakarima Karigithu 
11 Moses Kipng'etich Kurgat 
12 Rubeena Dar 
13 Dr Kivutha Kibwana 
14 Lumatete Walubengo Muchai 
15 Njoroge Regeru 
16 Prof Patrick Otieno Lumumba 
17 Anastacia Kioko Mululu 
18 James Ochieng' Oduol 
19 Jane Njeri Onyango Njoki 
20 Christine Agimba Anyango 
21 Hillary Chacha Odera 
22 Njeri Caroline Ndegwa Kariuki 
23 Mercy Wangari Buku 
24 Isaac Edwin Okero 
25 Prof.Kariuki Muigua 
26 Dr.Hosea Kimutai Kili
27 Kennedy Ogeto 
28 Praxedes Chepkoech Tororey 
29 James Mburu Kamau 
30 William Ikutha Maema 
31 Patrick Lutta Odongo 
32 Ruth Anyango Aura 
33 Dr. Mercy Mwarah Deche 
34 Hassan Nunow Lakicha 
35 Koki Muli Grignon 
36 James Aggrey Mwamu 
37 Adil Khawaja 
38 Ahmed Issack Hassan 
39 Paul Lilan 
40 Henry Ongicho Asugah 
41 Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa
42 Jedidah Wakonyo Waruhiu 
43 Mohammed Salim Balala 
44 Rose Waithera Njoroge 
45 Nazima Malik 
46 Michi Kirimi Kanyiri
47 Noordin Mohamed Haji 
48 Richard Harney 
49 Ahmed Sheikh Adan 
50 Nelson Andayi Havi 
51 Eric Theuri Njeru 
52 Elisha Zebedee Ongoya 
53 Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu 
54 Immaculate Muringo Kassait

Modeled on the British Queen’s Counsel tradition, the SC title grants recipients precedence in court, ceremonial privileges such as wearing special robes and waistcoats similar to Court of Appeal judges, and the exclusive right to sit within the bar in all courts.

Debates on merit, transparency

Past conferments have sparked debates about transparency and merit, making this year’s diverse list particularly scrutinised.

The inclusion of high-profile state officials and legal luminaries reflects unprecedented institutional diversity. 

Mr Haji, currently the Director-General of NIS and former Director of Public Prosecutions, stands out given his long tenure in public prosecutions and national security. His elevation to SC, if confirmed, would reflect a recognition of both his prosecutorial record and his public service credentials.

The list highlights specialists across legal domains: experienced football administrator and Gor Mahia Football Club chairman Ambrose Rachier Otieno and corporate governance expert Richard Omwela represent Kenya’s private sector, while anti-corruption crusader Prof PLO Lumumba and environmental law scholar Prof Kariuki Muigua reflect academia’s strong showing. 

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