By Elijah Cherutich
A section of civil society groups in Nakuru County has urged the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to reject several candidates seeking positions in the society’s 2026 elections, accusing them of failing to uphold what they describe as family values.
The groups, led by Martin Lunalo, the Executive Director of the Reproductive Health Champion Organization, said some of the aspirants have in the past been associated with international organizations that, according to the activists, promote Western ideals they believe conflict with the Kenyan Constitution.
LSK, which draws its membership from practicing advocates across the country, plays a key role in advising the government on legal matters and defending constitutional rights. The groups argued that this public mandate requires leaders who demonstrate integrity and a firm grasp of the country’s legal and social context.
Mr Lunalo said lawyers should be cautious in choosing their leaders, noting that anyone seeking office must be prepared to uphold and defend all rights outlined in the 2010 Constitution and demonstrate a clear commitment to serving the public interest.
“We have seen some of them make problematic statements about what a family should look like. If we allow such individuals into leadership, the Constitution of Kenya will be under siege,” he said.
He added that if LSK approves the candidates in question, the civil society groups would organize nationwide protests to oppose their election, saying they are prepared to challenge any leadership they believe could undermine constitutional rights or weaken the society’s responsibility to the public.
Another activist, Ms Anzira Robi, said they were troubled by the stance some candidates have taken on reproductive health, arguing that these positions could undermine values many Kenyans consider important.
“I urge LSK to elect individuals who protect the rights of all Kenyans, not only those that align with their personal conscience, moral beliefs, religious standpoints or ideological leanings,” she said.
Ms Emmy Nekesa, a resident of Nakuru, said the society needs leaders who can rise above personal interests and focus on the broader needs of communities, adding that LSK’s next leadership should champion family values, fairness, strengthen public trust and support progress for all Kenyans.
The LSK elections are expected in March 2026, when the term of current president Ms Faith Odhiambo ends, paving the way for new leadership to steer the society’s role in safeguarding professional standards and defending constitutional rights.
During her tenure, Odhiambo strengthened the society’s public voice on governance issues, expanded legal aid initiatives for vulnerable groups and pushed for greater accountability within state institutions. She also championed reforms aimed at improving service delivery and restoring members’ confidence in LSK’s leadership.
So far, Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has announced his bid for the Law Society of Kenya presidency for the 2026 to 2028 term. He made the declaration on X on Friday, saying the moment calls for principled leadership.
In his statement, Kanjama said the decision followed reflection, adding that he plans a clean campaign centred on the rule of law, integrity, improved practice standards, member welfare and stronger engagement within the society overall.
This marks Kanjama’s second attempt at the LSK presidency, having lost to Nelson Havi in 2020. Havi won 2,675 votes against Kanjama’s 1,246. After the defeat, Kanjama conceded gracefully, underscoring his respect for the profession.