'A win for democracy': Kigame congratulates new LSK president

Presidential hopeful Reuben Kigame/HANDOUT

Presidential hopeful Reuben Kigame has congratulated Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama following his election as the 52^nd President of the Law Society of Kenya.

Kigame termed Kanjama’s triumph a boost for the legal profession and the country’s democratic trajectory.

In Thursday’s polls, Kanjama secured 3,728 votes to defeat Peter Wanyama, who garnered 2,616 votes, and Mwaura Kabata, who finished third with 2,086 votes.

He succeeds Faith Odhiambo at the helm of the lawyers’ body.

In a statement, Kigame said Kanjama’s victory reflected the confidence the Bar has in his leadership, integrity and commitment to constitutionalism.

“I warmly congratulate Charles Kanjama SC on his well-deserved election. His victory is a clear demonstration of the trust members of the Bar have in his courage, competence and dedication to the rule of law,” he said.

Kigame noted that the LSK remains a key institution in safeguarding democracy, particularly amid growing concerns over the protection of constitutional principles and civil liberties.

“LSK must firmly reclaim its position as a fearless defender of constitutionalism and access to justice. Strong institutions that can speak truth to power and protect the vulnerable are essential for the health of our democracy,” he added.

He pointed to Kanjama’s previous legal battles, including his challenge to the Building Bridges Initiative verification process, which questioned the conduct of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

According to Kigame, the cases demonstrated Kanjama’s willingness to hold institutions accountable and defend due process.

Kigame also expressed confidence that the new LSK leadership would strengthen governance within the society, improve financial discipline and address integrity concerns in the justice sector.

“The legal profession must be anchored on ethical practice and professional excellence. I believe the LSK under Kanjama will enhance member welfare, counter institutional complacency and rebuild public confidence in the justice system,” he said.

Kanjama also chairs the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum, a role Kigame said has shown his capacity for inclusive and policy-driven leadership.

Kigame wished the incoming LSK president success in his tenure, saying the country needed a strong and independent Bar “now more than ever.”

Kanjama takes office at a time when the society has been vocal on governance, human rights and the rule of law, placing expectations on his administration to maintain its watchdog role while addressing internal reforms.