Ruto Confers Senior Counsel Rank on 54 Advocates [FULL LIST]

President William Ruto has conferred the rank of Senior Counsel on 54 Advocates of the High Court of Kenya, following recommendations by the Committee on Senior Counsel (SC).

The new appointees include National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, and former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana—among other distinguished lawyers and public figures.

In a Gazette notice dated December 10, 2025, announcing the appointments, President Ruto stated:

“KNOW YE THAT in recognition of the exemplary service rendered to the nation in the legal profession, and in honour of their esteemed contribution to law and development; I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander- In-Chief of the Defence Forces, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 17 (1) of the Advocates Act, have conferred the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel on the following Advocates of the High Court of Kenya as stated.”

“NOW HENCEFORTH, may it be known by all persons. authorities, and institutions that the aforementioned Advocates shall have all the precedence and privileges of the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel.”

This follows a public call issued in September by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) inviting qualified members to submit their applications under the 2025 conferment cycle.

After the application window closed, LSK released the list of 105 applicants and invited public feedback on their suitability, with submissions required before October 16, 2025.

The Committee on Senior Counsel Chairperson, Philip Murgor, on December 3, 2025, announced that the committee had reviewed all applications and recommended 54 advocates for conferment.

54 advocates recommended to join the Senior Counsel Bar

Leading the list are Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and NIS Director-General Noordin Haji who is the immediate former Director of Public Prosecutions.

Also Read: Former IEBC Commissioner Among 12 Shortlisted for PSC Chair Job

Also recommended is Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, a seasoned lawyer, academic, and former Governor of Makueni County. Prof. Kibwana, who now heads the Daystar University School of Law, has built a long career spanning public service, constitutional reform, and legal education.

Prominent lawyer Ambrose Rachier, the long-serving chairman of Gor Mahia Football Club, has also been listed for the honour.

Rachier, who has practiced law for decades, is recognised for his work in commercial legal practice and his leadership in one of Kenya’s most successful football institutions.

Several other notable profiles appear on the list. These include widely recognised Pan-African legal scholar Prof. PLO Lumumba, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Board Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, and the current Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto.

Others featured are corporate and commercial law specialist Adil Khawaja, former LSK Presidents Nelson Havi and Eric Theuri, and Kenya’s Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait.

The list further includes Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority James Mburu, former Kenya Rugby Union chair Richard Omwela, electoral governance expert Koki Muli, environmental law and ADR scholar Prof. Kariuki Muigua, together with respected constitutional litigation specialist Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu, who has appeared in numerous high-profile cases.

Also among the list is prominent lawyer Katwa Kigen, known for his high-profile cases at both the national and international levels including President William Ruto and former radio journalist Joshua Sang at the International Criminal Court (ICC), where both cases were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. 

Privileges

Being elevated to the rank of Senior Counsel comes with several significant privileges. Those awarded the title are granted priority during court proceedings, allowing their matters to be mentioned or heard ahead of other advocates.

SC are also entitled to occupy the Bar area — the front row of seats in the courtroom traditionally reserved for the most senior members of the profession.

Beyond these formal privileges, the designation carries considerable professional prestige, as SCs are widely regarded as leading authorities in the law and often serve as mentors whose views influence legal, academic, and judicial discussions.

Also Read: List of Senior Counsels in Kenya, Qualifications & Privileges They Enjoy

The selection of advocates for the Senior Counsel honour is handled by the Committee on Senior Counsel Conferment, a 10-member body drawn from different segments of the justice system.

Oversight and Selection Committee

Its composition includes a Supreme Court judge appointed by the Chief Justice, a Court of Appeal judge chosen by colleagues, and a High Court judge selected by the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association. The Attorney General and the LSK President also sit on the panel.

Additionally, the committee features three practising Senior Counsel and two non-SC advocates with a minimum of 10 years’ experience, elected by LSK members.

This broad representation is designed to ensure an impartial assessment of applicants, taking into account merit, ethical conduct, and professional impact.

The 2025 conferment process is being guided by newly elected leaders of the Senior Counsel Bar. In August 2025, Philip Murgor took over as Chairperson, succeeding Dr. Fred Ojiambo. He is joined by Joyce Majiwa as Vice Chairperson and Charles Kanjama as Secretary.

Once the committee concludes its deliberations, it forwards its final recommendations to the President, who formally awards the title to the selected lawyers.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.