This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
On May 15, 2020, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) took drastic action to correct a mistake made by its nine-member committee on appointment of senior counsel. The committee had recommended 24 names for the rank of senior counsel, but the LSK Council decided to set aside the decision and consider the applications afresh.
The decision was made after complaints of impartiality and favouritism in the selection process. The LSK Council will seek the legal opinion of three senior lawyers to advise on the changes that should be made to ensure fairness and integrity in the process.
The 24 lawyers whose nomination to the rank of senior counsel has been revoked include former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Justice Minister Martha Karua, and several other prominent lawyers. Their applications will be considered afresh with those who have applied this year.
The selection committee had said they considered several factors before deciding on the final list of 24, including their depth of expertise and eminence they have reached in the law profession. However, their decision caused division among lawyers for overlooking and leaving out veteran lawyer Dr John Khaminwa.
