Battle for Law Society of Kenya presidential seat kicks off
The battle to contest for the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) presidential seat has kicked off with several lawyers declaring interest in the position currently being held by Mr Eric Theuri.
Ms Faith Odhiambo, the current LSK Vice President, handed over her nomination papers ahead of the polls scheduled for February 2024.
Ms Odhiambo was accompanied by several lawyers when she handed over her nomination papers at LSK offices in Kileleshwa, Nairobi County.
“I am here today to present my papers and top of my agenda is gender equality. In addition, it is time we ensure that the young lawyers also get an opportunity to practice by simply registering them as soon as they are registered to the bar,” Ms Odhiambo said on January 9.
She also said that if elected she will fight to ensure that the Judiciary is independent and does not feel by the executive.
Also read: Ruto: I will put an end to the madness within the Judiciary
However, she cautioned that she will also ensure that the Judges do their job as the law requires.
“I also want to inform the judicial officers who engage in corruption that there will be no room for them. They should work as per to the law and I will ensure that they are protected,” she said.
Ms Odhiambo, whose nominator is Senior Counsel Wilfred Nderitu, also said that she would join other lawyers in holding a peaceful walk to ensure that the executive respects the Judiciary.’
Former LSK Vice President Ms Carolyne Kamende Daudi will present her nomination papers on January 10.
Ms Kamende told Nairobi News that she would ensure that the Judiciary is respected if lawyers in the country give her a chance to lead.
“It is very important to note that if elected the president of LSK I will ensure that the Judiciary is respected. My call is that the executive should work independently without interfering with what goes on in court,” she said.
According to her, if elected, lawyers will not have any reason to worry and fear because she will ensure their rights are respected.
Ms Kamende also asked the executive and political leaders not to use unacceptable language against judges. If they had evidence that they were breaking the law, then it would be better if they shared it publicly.
“I will ensure that I speak out whenever I feel that things are wrong. We cannot remain silent when politicians across all divide attack lawyers and judges,” she said.
A week ago, Ms Kamende boldly told President William Ruto to respect the constitution and orders that the courts issue.
The lawyer asked the Head of State to work closely with the office of Attorney General Justin Muturi whenever he felt things were not heading in the right direction.
“The President should use the office of the Attorney General or relieve him, if the President is looking for a problem, he will find it in his office’s Modus Operandi (MO). There are verifiable reports that the Office of the Attorney General is often sidelined in Executive decision making,” she said.
“The constitution designates the Attorney General as the principal legal advisor to the Government. If the office of the Attorney General were working properly, it would advise the president of the legal landmines that his programs face. If it were working okay, it would also advise the president on court processes, especially the channels to follow to rectify legal problems,” added Ms Kamende.