LSK presidential polls: Five lawyers shortlisted for top post

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) presidential aspirants have raised concerns regarding interference in the upcoming elections by the Executive, even as the electoral committee published names of nominees who successfully submitted nomination papers by the January 12, 2024 deadline.

LSK vice president Faith Odhiambo Mony Aoko, who was born in Mombasa, is among five senior attorneys who are seeking to become the 51st president of the prestigious Law Society of Kenya.

“I have a 13-year experience in law practice under Ombok & Owuor Advocates LLP. I have a Transformative vision for LSK. Faith is a mother and a wife,” she told Citizen TV.

Immediate former vice president who served from 2020 to 2022 Carolyne Kamende Daudi, born in Machakos, is attempting to make a comeback to the LSK Council, this time round as president.  

“I have practiced Law for 19 years.... In legal circles they call me Mama Welfare, I seek to complete a number of programs that were left pending due to many circumstances including COVID-19,” Ms Daudi says.

Peter Wanyama Manyonge, born in Busia, is also seeking to succeed Eric Theuri as LSK boss.

“I have practiced law for 16 years and 2 months, the legal fraternity is dying and i want to revive it. Upholding the rule of law and fighting for the Independence of the Judiciary and other arms of government are my key goals,” he says.

Harriet Njoki Mboce and Bernard Ng'etich Kipkoech complete the list of the five Aspirants, who successfully submitted their nomination papers to the election committee.

With the week-long vetting exercise commencing before the final candidates can be given the green light to kick off campaigns, there are concerns about interference of the upcoming Elections by the Executive and audit of the voter register that contains over fifteen thousand certified electorate.

“It is unfortunate to hear utterances from Cherargei ...its a percieved threat. They should also now release the register for us to audit and verify,” the LSK vice president says.

“If the latest remarks by politicians are anything to go by, then you can clearly see the intention to interfere with elections. There is a need to verify the names of voters,” Ms Daudi added.

Wanyama noted: “I want to tell Senator Cherargei the government should not interfere with LSK Affairs. LSK is not a political party.

Other than the hotly contested LSK Presidency, three aspirants are contesting the vice president’s position and eight vying for the General Member representative position.

Other slots include General Membership of at least 25 years sought by one individual and Regional Representatives.