This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
On May 15, 2020, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) dealt a blow to the aspirations of several high-profile lawyers, including former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka and Justice minister Martha Karua, by revoking the nomination of 24 members as senior counsel.
LSK president Nelson Havi explained that the decision was made after the majority of members expressed dissatisfaction with the composition of the selection committee and the process itself, which they deemed not impartial.
According to Havi, the counsel deliberated on the matter on May 11, 2020, and resolved to set aside the decision made on August 26, 2019, revoking the recommendation for the conferment of the 24 advocates.
Two lawsuits had been filed in court to challenge the nominations on various grounds, including allegations of favoritism and a lack of regional and gender balance in the selection process.
