Coup as women tip the gender balance scale in LSK election

The Law Society of Kenya election was full of jaw-dropping moments, as female lawyers floored their male counterparts, winning 10 out of the 13 council seats.

In the unusual development, the legal professionals broke the two-thirds gender rule by putting in office a council with members of one gender forming an overwhelming majority.
The newly elected council is made up of Nelson Havi (president), Carolyne Kamende (vice-president); Aluso Ingati, Faith Odhiambo and Carolyne Mutheu (Nairobi representatives); Linda Riziki (Coast representative), Esther Angawa (Upcountry representative); Ndinda Kinyili, Beth Michoma and Bernard Ngetich (General representatives); and Herine Kabita, George Omwansa and Roseline Odhiambo-Odede (Senior representatives).

Mr Havi, Mr Ngetich and Mr Omwansa are the elected male representatives in the council.
Ms Ingati, who won one of the Nairobi representative positions, said voting for female lawyers was an encouragement for the girl-child.

“Whether male or female, all of us are competent leaders. The win is an encouragement to any girl-child out there that it doesn’t matter whether you are a man or woman,” Ms Ingati told the Nation.

Ms Mutheu said lawyers made their decision based on the ability of the aspirants and not gender.

“Lawyers believed in our manifestos and decided to vote us in so we can serve them,” Ms Mutheu, who was voted to the council, added.
Her sentiments were shared by Nairobi lawyer Areba Omwoyo.

INCREASED ATTACKS

“All female elected lawyers are qualified and ran effective campaigns. They managed to convince advocates not on the basis of gender but on what they can offer members. With that, I believe that they stood tall among equals in the profession,” Mr Omwoyo said.

Despite their overwhelming victory, female aspirants lost the quest for the president’s seat.

Lawyers Harriette Chiggai and Maria Mbeneka were battling against Mr Havi and Charles Kanjama for the post.

The last, and so far the only, woman to lead the LSK was Raychelle Omamo, the Foreign Affairs Cabinet secretary. She served as LSK chairperson from 2001 to 2003.

Ms Mutheu said their next course of action will be working towards restoring the lost glory of LSK.

“We have to ensure that we get LSK back to what it used to be,” she said.

Mr Omwoyo urged Mr Havi’s team to avoid divisions, which characterised the tenure of his predecessor, Mr Allen Gichui.

Mr Gichui’s reign was characteried by divisions, failure to come out strongly on matters of public interest, and rare defence of the Judiciary at a time of increased attacks and undermining by the Executive.

“Mr Havi is expected to reawaken the LSK. He ran on the mantra of a brave new bar. He has indicated that key on his agenda will be monitoring legislation and ensuring they conform to the Constitution. He is also expected to stand up for the rule of law and as per Section Four of the LSK Act,” Mr Omwoyo said.