Babu Owino votes in LSK polls, urges advocates to vote wisely

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino addressing press outside Milimani Courts Precincts/JAMES GICHIGI

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on Thursday cast his vote in the ongoing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) elections, marking his first time participating in the Bar’s electoral process since his admission as an advocate.

Owino addressed journalists outside the Milimani Law Courts, where advocates have been streaming in since morning to elect the Society’s next leadership.

“This is my first time to vote. I am not going to reveal how I voted, but I advise other advocates to vote wisely,” Owino said, underscoring the importance of principled leadership at the Bar.

The legislator, who was admitted to the Bar earlier in May 2025 after completing his legal training, said participation by advocates in the LSK polls was critical to safeguarding the rule of law and professional integrity.

Reflecting on the broader political climate, Owino drew parallels between the LSK elections and the national electoral process.

He expressed hope that the 2027 general elections would be conducted in the same peaceful manner witnessed during the lawyers’ polls.

According to him, the conduct of advocates during the election demonstrated that peaceful and orderly voting is possible when institutions and participants respect democratic norms.

The LSK elections, which are being held across the country, have drawn wide attention given the Society’s increasingly vocal role on constitutionalism, judicial independence and governance.

Advocates are voting to elect the next President, Vice-President and Council members of the Society, which represents more than 20,000 practising lawyers nationwide.

Polling is taking place at designated High Court stations across the country, with the main voting centres located at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi and the Supreme Court.

Voting is expected to continue throughout the day until 6 pm, following weeks of campaigns that began after the close of nominations in early January.

Several key contenders in the presidential race had already cast their ballots by Thursday morning.

Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, one of the presidential candidates, described the process as smooth and efficient.

“The process is smooth, and we appeal to those who are coming to vote to do so early,” Kanjama said shortly after voting.

Fellow presidential candidate Peter Wanyama had also voted.

LSK member Abner Mango urged advocates who are tied up in court sessions to make time to participate in the polls, saying high voter turnout was essential for the legitimacy of the incoming leadership.

Veteran lawyer Danstan Omari, on his part, said he had prayed for all candidates vying for various posts, calling for unity within the profession regardless of the outcome.

The contest is expected to determine the leadership of the Bar for the 2026–2028 term and is unfolding under the shadow of the outgoing administration led by Faith Odhiambo, the 51st President of the Law Society of Kenya.

In addition to Kanjama and Wanyama, the presidential race features the Society’s current Vice-President, Mwaura Kabata.

As the day-long exercise continues, the outcome is anticipated to shape the direction of the LSK at a time when the Society remains at the centre of key national debates touching on governance, accountability and the administration of justice.