This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
On July 9, 2019, sixty lawyers, including former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and former Justice minister Martha Karua, submitted their applications to join the prestigious Senior Counsel club.
Other notable applicants include veteran lawyer John Khaminwa, family law specialist Judy Thongori, and former Director of Public Prosecutions Philip Murgor.
Privileges enjoyed by Senior Counsel include occupying front seats in courts, having their matters heard first, wearing special robes, and receiving preferential treatment in dealing with the Judiciary.
The Senior Counsel bar currently has 31 members, with Fred Ojiambo as chairman.
The roll was introduced in 2003, initially requiring applicants to have served as chairman of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to qualify.
However, the rules were changed in October 2008, allowing lawyers to apply directly for admission to the club.
To qualify, applicants must have been an advocate of the High Court for more than 15 years or have contributed to the development of the legal profession through scholarly writings and presentations.
A committee comprising the Attorney-General, a Court of Appeal judge, a High Court judge, three Senior Counsel, and four advocates vets the applicants and recommends their names to the President for conferment.
The names of Senior Counsel are then published in a gazette notice.
