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.
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.
1.Rapinder Singh Sehmi
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.
