The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has begun the process of replacing its top officials, including President Faith Odhiambo, ahead of the 2026 elections.
In a formal notice to members, the society announced that elections will take place in February 2026, in line with the Law Society of Kenya Act, 2014, and the General Regulations of 2020.
The announcement marks the beginning of what is expected to be a competitive and closely watched race for leadership of one of Kenya’s most powerful professional bodies.
LSK Faith Odhiambo Elections Timeline and Vacant Positions
According to the official communication, the LSK declared several key leadership positions vacant, including those of President, Vice President, and three representatives of the general membership. One of these representatives must be an advocate with at least 25 years of experience.
Faith Odhiambo, who took office in March 2024, is set to complete her two-year term in March 2026. Her deputy, Mwaura Kabata, is widely expected to vie for the presidency once nominations open later this year.
The LSK Council also includes three Nairobi representatives, four upcountry representatives, and one coast representative—all elected in 2024 to serve until the council’s term ends in 2026. In compliance with LSK regulations, the secretary issued a formal notice more than three months before the election date, ensuring members have adequate time to prepare nominations.
“The notice serves to inform members of the positions that will fall vacant in March 2026 and to invite eligible candidates to submit their nominations in accordance with the society’s regulations,” read part of the communication from the secretariat.
The upcoming elections are expected to draw intense competition, with several lawyers already rumored to be positioning themselves for the top seat.
Faith Odhiambo’s Term Marked by Bold Leadership and Disputes
Faith Odhiambo’s presidency has been defined by both major achievements and internal tension. She rose to prominence in 2024 when she led the Law Society in defending victims of police brutality during the Gen Z protests, earning public praise for standing up to state power.
Her leadership style, often described as assertive and reform-driven, helped the society regain visibility on issues of governance and human rights. Under her tenure, LSK amplified its advocacy for judicial independence and transparency in public appointments, positioning the institution as a watchdog of the rule of law.
However, her decision to accept President William Ruto’s appointment to a government panel on police brutality compensation later divided the legal community. Some members accused her of undermining the society’s independence by associating with a government initiative that LSK was initially critical of.
Growing Calls for Accountability and Independence
Advocate Levi Munyeri was among those who publicly criticized Odhiambo’s move. In a statement released on September 5, 2025, Munyeri urged Odhiambo to step down, claiming her appointment created a conflict of interest. He went further to threaten a formal petition for her removal if she failed to vacate her position.
Despite mounting criticism, Odhiambo defended her decision, saying her participation in the panel served the public interest and aligned with LSK’s broader mission to champion justice. She maintained that her role did not compromise the society’s independence but instead strengthened its involvement in national conversations about human rights.
After sustained pressure from within the council, Odhiambo later resigned from the panel, insisting that she did so to preserve the unity and integrity of the institution.
Her supporters argue that Odhiambo has modernized LSK’s public engagement and restored its moral voice, while critics claim her leadership exposed fault lines within the society over its relationship with government institutions.
Anticipation Builds for 2026 LSK Elections
With the election notice now out, attention has shifted to the upcoming race for LSK’s presidency. The 2026 elections are expected to feature both reformists pushing for continuity of Odhiambo’s vision and conservatives advocating for a return to strict institutional neutrality.
Insiders predict that the competition will be fierce, with candidates expected to focus on accountability, transparency, and defending advocates’ welfare amid growing political interference in the justice sector.
Faith Odhiambo’s legacy will likely loom large over the campaign, influencing both the tone and agenda of the candidates vying to succeed her. While some may run on platforms of reform and advocacy, others are expected to campaign on restoring internal cohesion and rebuilding trust within the council.
As the legal fraternity prepares for one of its most consequential elections in recent history, all eyes will be on who emerges as the next face of the Law Society of Kenya—an institution that continues to shape national debates on justice, governance, and the rule of law.
