Faith Odhiambo has been elected the new Law Society of Kenya president
Odhiambo who served as Vice President of the society ahead of the polls was elected in Thursday's elections.
The race for the presidency was between five candidates: Peter Wanyama, Carolyne Kamende, Faith Odhiambo, Harriet Mboche and Kipkoech Bernhard Ngetich.
Results seen by the Star show Odhiambo got 3,113 votes followed closely by Wanyama who had 2,165 votes.
Kamede had 888 votes, Ng'etich 833 votes and Mboche 511 votes.
Wanyama, Faith's closest challenger, has conceded defeat.
He blamed it on claims that he was a government-sponsored candidate.
“That hurt my campaign because throughout the period I have used very limited resources. No single coin from the government. Secondly, I have taken major cases against the national government to protect devolution,” he said in a statement.
He added:
“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."
She becomes the 51st President of the Council, succeeding Eric Theuri.
Theuri’s term will expire on March 25, 2024. The position was, however, declared vacant on December 5, 2023, as per the LSK General Regulations, 2020.
The regulations require that the position is declared vacant at least three months before the 15th day of March of the year the elections are scheduled to be held.
During her campaign period, Odhiambo underscored her commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the council remains a strong defender of legal principles.
Odhiambo entered the election day with the blessings of ODM leader Raila Odinga and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna who endorsed her for the seat.
"An engaging conversation with Faith Odhiambo, LSK Vice President and aspiring LSK President. Her commitment to upholding the rule of law and advocating for good governance principles is truly inspiring. I wish her all the best and she has my full support," the former Prime minister said after meeting her Wednesday.
Raychelle Omamo was the last woman to hold the top LSK job from 2001 to 2003.
The most recent presidents were Isaac Okero (2016-2018); Allen Gichuhi (2018-2020); Nelson Havi (2020-2021) and outgoing president Eric Theuri (2022-2024).
Thursday’s elections were conducted across the country and were overseen by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Other positions where new members were to be elected included vice president and council members who included three representatives of the general membership of the society, four upcountry representatives, three Nairobi representatives, and one Coast representative.
Members also elected LSK male representatives to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Exiting LSK President Theuri is seeking that mandate.
more to follow