LSK candidates for president outline their plans

The Law Society of Kenya presidential candidates on Friday outlined their agenda for the society on the sidelines of a criminal law and practice seminar in Kisumu.

The leading contenders – James Aggrey Mwamu, Allen Gichuhi and Nelson Havi, who is still fighting to have his name on the ballot – promised to reform the organisation “and restore its lost glory.”

TRANSPARENCY

The elections have been scheduled for February 22 but Mr Havi said he was seeking to have the date postponed to allow issues he has raised in court to be heard and determined.

While outlining his agenda for the society, Mr Mwamu promised to implement his seven-point plan by providing informed, example based and transparent leadership through strategic management approaches, including a shared vision, clear strategic goals and measurable outcomes.

“I will foster a united and inclusive society that upholds collaboration and team work and ensure re-branding and re-engineering the corporate image of the society as a premier bar through productive engagements,” the former East African Law Society president said.

He pointed out that he would strive to enhance the welfare of members through strategic participatory interventions and address hindrances to successful law practice.

Mr Mwamu said he would also provide opportunities for members and support members’ efforts to further their knowledge, skills and expertise.

“Above all I will advance and maintain the principle of justice and the rule of law,” he said.

WELFARE

Mr Gichuhi promised to formulate a method to help all bar branch committees in Kenya to expedite the hearing of cases.

“I will revive all dormant practice committees of LSK and ensure that the committees issue quarterly reports for dissemination to the members and address all matters hindering conveyancing and commercial practice,” he said.

Mr Gichuhi, who emerged third after Mr Mwamu and incumbent President Isaack Okero in the elections two years ago, said he would also introduce mentorship for young lawyers to improve their areas of practice and address their salary terms.

“I will create a devolution fund for all branches and ensure the council engages and meets all branch chairs to discuss practice and welfare matters on a regular basis,” Mr Gichuhi stated.

He also promised to engage Parliament in law reform by proposing legislative changes and petitioning for new laws that improve socio-economic rights and gender equality.

VIBRANCY

Mr Havi said he was on a campaign trail “as I’m sure justice shall prevail and eventually [I will] have my name on the ballot.”

He promised to serve not only the lawyers, but the entire public.

“We need a functional law society. Currently it is dead and buried, it’s as simple as that,” Mr Havi said.

He accused the current leadership “which came in under the banner of ‘Okoa LSK’ of killing the society.”

“Havi wants to run for a simple reason that the Law society needs to be rejuvenated,” Mr Havi said.

“There was time when if the Law society spoke on an issue of national importance, human rights concerns and administration, LSK would be heard and action taken.

“During the times of Gibson Kamau Kuria, the late Mutula Kilonzo, Prof Tom Ojienda and Erick Mutua, the society had a voice.”

BENEFITS

Mr Havi said he would address lawyers’ welfare and ensure they are able to practice law in courts, land registries, company registries, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations without corruption or impunity.

“That way the benefits will trickle down not only to the lawyers but also to the public,” he said.

Former nominated Senator Judy Sijeny, who was also cleared to vie for the LSK president, did not attend the event in Kisumu.

QUALIFICATIONS

Mr Havi was barred from contesting as, according to LSK chief executive Mercy Wambua, he did not meet the qualifications to contest for president because he had not completed the mandatory 15 years of practice since admission to the bar.

She said the LSK Act also requires that one must have been a council member to qualify to run for president.

But Mr Havi insisted that barring him from vying would prevent the society from having better leaders who have majority support of members.

He said locking out young lawyers who have not practiced for more than a year from voting would prevent 1,000 members from participating in the elections. This would deny them the opportunity to select their leaders.