LSK Presidential race: Peter Wanyama concedes defeat as Faith Odhiambo takes early lead

Preliminary results in the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Presidential race show that Faith Odhiambo has taken an early lead with 3,040 votes counted so far.

Her closest competitor, Peter Wanyama, comes at second place with 2,122 votes, while Carolyne Kamende follows at third with 910 votes counted.

Mr. Wanyama has since, however, conceded defeat in the race and congratulated Ms. Odhiambo, who seems set to take over the reins of the lawyers’ body.

Mr. Wanyama termed the LSK contest his first ever stab at an elective post, further rubbishing claims that he was a government-sponsored candidate.

“The propaganda that I am a government sponsored really hurt my campaign because throughout the period I have used very limited resources. No single coin from government. Secondly, I have taken major cases against national government to protect devolution.  Actually, devolution is strong today because of the litigation I championed,” he said in a statement to newsrooms.

“I have lost on paper to Faith Odhiambo (who I unreservedly congratulate) but I have won at heart.  I have achieved my lifetime objective of interacting with colleagues and demonstrated the eternal verities and the spirit of Ubuntu. I have made friends, created networks, and tested my  leadership skills in an 'election exam.’”

Although the final tally of results is yet to be announced, LSK’s 49th President Nelson Havi has also already taken to social media to congratulate Ms. Odhiambo for her impending victory.

“Congratulations Madam President, Faith Odhiambo. Serve us with distinction. Just remember that in this office, one’s popularity starts waning on the day of the oath. Always do the right thing. If in doubt, say No,” said Havi on X.

Ms. Odhiambo, speaking to Citizen TV as the counting continues, expressed confidence at being announced winner saying she had garnered an unassailable lead against her competitors.

She extended an olive branch to her competitors, urging them to join her in making the law society a better body that will champion for the rule of law for all Kenyans.

“To all my worthy competitors, I say that let’s work together; LSK is bigger than all of us.We can put LSK together as one, me becoming the next President should not mean that we separate the Law society. We should bring our different electorates as one and build the Law society as one,” she stated.

“The first fight that we have is the protection of the rule of law against the excesses of the government, but also the concern of corruption in the different institutions that we as LSK want to take head-on.”

Ms. Odhiambo, who is the current LSK Vice President, will – if eventually declared victor - become the society’s 51st boss, taking over from current President Eric Theuri.