This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
On September 19, 2019, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) began sending out notification letters to successful applicants for elevation to Senior Counsel status. However, Managing Partner and Founder of KTK Advocates, Donald B. Kipkorir, has written to Attorney General Kihara Kariuki, expressing his disappointment at being excluded from the list.
Kipkorir's letter to the AG raises questions about the criteria used to nominate 24 lawyers for elevation to Senior Counsel status. He wonders if the rules stipulated in Rule 7 were adhered to or if some other criteria was used.
He further asks, 'In making this 24 nominations, did the committee consider the face of law society and indeed the nation?' Kipkorir's urgent letter to the AG highlights concerns about the transparency of the selection process.
Lawyer Nelson Havi of Havi and Company has also questioned the criteria used to leave out long-serving lawyers such as Dr. John Khaminwa. 'The list of nominees for appointment of Senior Counsel has several deserving Advocates. But tell me, why on earth would Dr John Khaminwa not qualify for appointment?' Havi wrote on his Twitter page.
The list of 24 nominees includes prominent names such as former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and renowned family lawyer Judy Thongori. However, the selection process has been criticized for lacking gender and ethnic balance.
