Juliani calls for equity in slums, backs Faith Odhiambo for top LSK seat
Renowned singer Juliani has called on the legal fraternity to work towards ensuring equality among Kenyans from across the divide.
Known for hits such as Utawala and Exponential potential, the singer, born Julius Owino, said his interactions with residents in the informal settlement areas has opened the lid on challenges Kenyans from lower income residential areas face.
He spoke at an event at the Catholic University for East Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi where he joined high profile leaders in endorsing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) vice president Faith Odhiambo to contest for the LSK presidency.
“I know the roles the legal fraternity plays in the society play,” said Juliani.
“I’m a musician who spends time in the informal settlement areas. One thing that is dominant in these areas is a serious disconnect especially in the access to basic needs, income and justice. Here is where you come in. I know Faith and even as I back you, please have it at the back of your mind that Kenyans need justice on a daily basis.”
Lady Justice Joyce Alouch and FIDA (Federation of Women Lawyers) – Kenya chairperson Nancy Ikinu also backed Mrs Odhiambo. who ceased the opportunity to share her manifesto dubbed the PSP agenda.
Ms Alouch, a former International Criminal Court (ICC) vice president and the second woman magistrate in Kenya, said the time was right for another woman to follow in the footsteps of Ambassador Raychelle Awuor Omamo in heading the LSK.
“If I could be the second woman magistrate in Kenya, what stops you from becoming the second woman president of the Law Society of Kenya? she posed.
“There is nothing wrong with the voice of male presidents but it is time after 23 years that we should have another woman following” she added.
Ms Ikinu, who is among the women who have mentored Mrs Odhiambo also backed her to leave a lasting impact if she handed the role of LSK president.
“As a Chair of FIDA, I can attest that I served with Faith when she was our secretary, she did a commendable job and she is a very tough hardworking girl. We are for a women candidate, we support you and I am glad that we are going to have a female LSK President and you all know who that is,” said Nancy Ikinu.
Mrs Odhiambo, a lecturer of Law at the University of Nairobi was joined by a host of her colleagues and fellow lecturers who spoke passionately about her leadership skills.
They include professor Gichuki Evanson Njaramba who spoke on behalf of Mrs Odhiambo’s colleagues from the Faculty of Law said he has known her for over ten (10) years and she’s a dependable professional.
“I can confirm that any day you need something sorted out or delt with, you can count of Faith Odhiambo; I know that in the next one month, you will be the next president of LSK,” narrated Prof. Njaramba.
During her speech, the presidential hopeful stressed that the rule of law is the vehicle for the promotion and protection of the common normative framework; an absolute supremacy of the law over everyone in a nation.
“Our 2010 constitution clearly provides a structure through which the exercise of power is subjected to agreed rules, guaranteeing the protection of all human rights,” said Mrs Odhiambo
“THE PSP AGENDA is an attainable and sustainable means to delivering the promise of a STABLE PROGRESSIVE BAR, an undertaking that I remain fully committed to. Such a shared commitment to our country, requires leaders who would never give in to pressure or sell Kenya to the enemies of the rule of law and in turn be given state privileges, niceties and favours,”
Other speakers who equally endorsed Mrs Odhiambo’s leadership were LSK President Eric Theuri, who attributed his successful tenure to his Vice President.
“We have taken on extremely difficult cases, we have received threats and is not easy to challenge the decisions made by the head of state but I must confess that I have taken credit for the good work that you have done,” said Theuri.
LSK elections will take place on February 29, 2024 in an election that will see the outgoing Vice President take on Harriet Njoki, Daudi Kamende, Peter Wanyama and Ngetich Bernard.
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