Faith Masita
Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has emerged victorious in a high-stakes election to become the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), securing a commanding mandate to steer the country’s largest professional legal body for the 2026–2028 term.
In elections held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Kanjama tallied 3,728 votes, outpacing his closest challenger, lawyer Peter Wanyama (2,616 votes), and former vice-chair Mwaura Kabata (2,086). The results closely watched across the legal fraternity signal strong support for his seasoned leadership as the society prepares to navigate a politically intense period ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I’m deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by advocates across the country,” Kanjama told reporters after his victory was tallied. “This mandate calls for unity, courage, and a relentless defence of the rule of law.”
An advocate of over two decades, Kanjama brings a blend of legal, commercial and governance experience to the presidency. His campaign was anchored on the RIPE platform Rule of Law, Integrity, Practice & Welfare, and Engagement with pledges to strengthen governance at LSK, expand welfare for young lawyers and widen the society’s influence in national legal discourse.
Political heavyweights also weighed in on the outcome. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka hailed Kanjama’s ascendancy as “a well-earned mandate grounded in principled service”, citing the candidate’s reform blueprint and emphasis on constitutionalism. Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed the sentiment, urging collaboration between LSK and the government to fortify justice institutions.
Outgoing LSK president Faith Odhiambo led a chorus of congratulations, describing Kanjama’s victory as “resounding” and underscoring the society’s crucial role ahead of elections. She urged him to “serve with distinction”, emphasizing the bar’s influence on constitutional rights and accountability.
Challenges Ahead
Kanjama inherits leadership at a pivotal moment. With Kenya headed into a tense election year, his administration will be expected to defend judicial independence, advocate for professional welfare, and cement LSK’s place as a key arbiter of constitutional discourse.
He will be deputised by Teresia Wavinya Nicholas, as the new council prepares to take office in March.
In elections held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Kanjama tallied 3,728 votes, outpacing his closest challenger, lawyer Peter Wanyama (2,616 votes), and former vice-chair Mwaura Kabata (2,086). The results closely watched across the legal fraternity signal strong support for his seasoned leadership as the society prepares to navigate a politically intense period ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I’m deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by advocates across the country,” Kanjama told reporters after his victory was tallied. “This mandate calls for unity, courage, and a relentless defence of the rule of law.”
An advocate of over two decades, Kanjama brings a blend of legal, commercial and governance experience to the presidency. His campaign was anchored on the RIPE platform Rule of Law, Integrity, Practice & Welfare, and Engagement with pledges to strengthen governance at LSK, expand welfare for young lawyers and widen the society’s influence in national legal discourse.
Political heavyweights also weighed in on the outcome. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka hailed Kanjama’s ascendancy as “a well-earned mandate grounded in principled service”, citing the candidate’s reform blueprint and emphasis on constitutionalism. Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed the sentiment, urging collaboration between LSK and the government to fortify justice institutions.
Outgoing LSK president Faith Odhiambo led a chorus of congratulations, describing Kanjama’s victory as “resounding” and underscoring the society’s crucial role ahead of elections. She urged him to “serve with distinction”, emphasizing the bar’s influence on constitutional rights and accountability.
Challenges Ahead
Kanjama inherits leadership at a pivotal moment. With Kenya headed into a tense election year, his administration will be expected to defend judicial independence, advocate for professional welfare, and cement LSK’s place as a key arbiter of constitutional discourse.
He will be deputised by Teresia Wavinya Nicholas, as the new council prepares to take office in March.
