Kenyan Lawyer Charles Kanjama has been elected as the 52nd president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on February 19, 2026.
Kanjama defeated Peter Wanyama and former LSK Vice Chairperson Mwaura Kabata to win a highly contested seat.
Charles will be deputized by lawyer Teresia Wavinya Nicholas.
He takes over from Faith Odhiambo, who served as President of the Law Society following her election on March 1, 2024.
Faith leaves a legacy of being at the forefront of fighting for protesters’ right to demonstrate and picket peacefully, without being harassed by law enforcement officers, and the release of protesters detained by the police during the anti-finance bill protests in Kenya.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) conducted the elections, with over 18,000 registered lawyers expected to vote.
Intense Campaign Period
The Law Society of Kenya presidential campaigns were marked by intense scrutiny of candidates’ independence, financial backing, and professional engagements.
Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, Peter Wanyama, and Mwaura Kabata emerged as equal contenders, each presenting contrasting visions and priorities for the society.
During the campaign, questions were raised about candidates’ perceived closeness to government institutions.
Kanjama faced criticism for his representation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), while Wanyama’s frequent work for county governments raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kabata, the current vice president, was also questioned over past allegations regarding case withdrawals during his tenure.
During NTV’s LSK presidential debate, Wanyama disclosed spending Ksh12 million on his campaign, funded primarily through personal contributions, support from colleagues, and a small portion from non-advocates.
On the other hand, Kanjama spent Ksh6 million, while Kabata spent Ksh5 million.
Kabata’s manifesto stressed on continuity, modernization, and sustained activism. He highlighted institutional stability, ethics, and experienced leadership.
Wanyama focused on reforms, creating economic opportunities, and practical support for young advocates, including mentoring initiatives and assistance with professional resources.
The campaign period ended on February 17, 2026, concluding weeks of intense lobbying and nationwide engagements by candidates vying to lead the legal fraternity.
Charles Kanjama Profile
Charles Kanjama, commonly known as SC Charles Kanjama, is a prominent Kenyan constitutional lawyer and the Managing Partner at Muma & Kanjama Advocates.
With over 20 years of experience, Kanjama is a leading litigator specializing in dispute resolution, legal reforms, and public law, and is also a certified arbitrator and mediator.
He is a former chairman of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Nairobi Branch.
He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Second Class Upper Division honours) from the University of Nairobi in 2001.
Following his undergraduate degree, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law in 2002 and was admitted to the Bar in June 2003.
He made history as the inaugural elected Chairman of the LSK Nairobi Branch, serving between 2016 and 2020, where he was credited with operationalising the branch after the decentralisation of the Law Society.
In 2022, he was formally admitted to the Senior Counsel Bar, a prestigious rank reserved for the most distinguished advocates in Kenya and currently serves as the Secretary of this elite bar.
Who is Kabata Mwaura?
Mwaura Kabata is a Kenyan advocate of the High Court and serves as Vice President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for the 2024-2026 term.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, where he undertook his foundational legal studies.
Kabata obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, a requirement for admission to the Bar in Kenya.
Mwaura was admitted as an advocate on December 20 2016.
Kabata has held multiple leadership roles within the Law Society of Kenya, including serving as a committee member, general council member, and vice president.
He has been actively involved in public-interest litigation, notably representing cases arising from the Gen Z protests of 2024 and 2025.
Also Read: LSK Rejects Faith Odhiambo’s Appointment to Debt Taskforce, Gives Reason
Peter Wanyama
Peter Wanyama is a Kenyan advocate and the Managing Partner at Manyonge Wanyama Associates (MWA Advocates).
In 2004, Peter Wanyama earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
After completing his law degree in 2005, he joined Kenya School of Law, obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Law.
Wanyama has over 18 years of experience, specializing in constitutional litigation, legislative drafting, and devolution law.
Between 2007 and 2011, after his admission to the bar, Wanyama began his career at Mohammed Muigai Advocates, working under former Attorney General Professor Githu Muigai. He focused on strategic law reform across sectors, telecommunications, energy, and water.
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