Charles Kanjama has been elected the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), clinching victory in the February 19, 2026 polls and ushering in a new chapter for Kenya’s legal profession.
The Senior Counsel secured 3,728 votes, defeating Peter Wanyama (2,616) and Mwaura Kabata (2,086). He succeeds Faith Odhiambo and will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028.
“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every advocate who believes in a strong and independent Law Society,” Kanjama said after being declared winner. “I commit to serving all members and to defending the rule of law without fear or favour.”
A legal “Polymath” with elite credentials
Admitted to the Bar in 2003, Kanjama has over two decades of experience in constitutional and commercial litigation. In 2022, he was conferred the rank of Senior Counsel, becoming one of the youngest advocates to receive the distinction.
He is the Managing Partner at Muma & Kanjama Advocates, where he heads the Disputes Department, handling high-stakes litigation and arbitration.
Beyond law, Kanjama holds rare cross-disciplinary credentials. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), a Certified Secretary (CS), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). He also serves as a Certified Professional Mediator.
His early career included serving as Editor at LawAfrica Publishing between 2001 and 2003, where he helped revive the East Africa Law Reports after a decade-long hiatus. He later lectured Criminal Law and Legal Systems at Strathmore Law School.
Kanjama holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi (2001) and is currently pursuing further studies, including an LL.M and an MBA.
Landmark cases and leadership record
Over the years, Kanjama has been involved in several cases that shaped Kenya’s jurisprudence.
He represented the Judicial Service Commission in the historic case determining the retirement age of Deputy Chief Justice Kalpana Rawal. He also acted in disputes involving political party funding thresholds and handled complex banking and corporate litigation, including matters arising from the Chase Bank saga.
During the post-2010 constitutional transition, he represented the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board in cases related to judicial integrity and reform.
Within the LSK, he served as the inaugural Chair of the Nairobi Branch (2016–2020) and chaired the Caucus of Branch Chairs, building a strong base before launching his presidential bid.
During the NTV LSK Presidential Debate, Kanjama disclosed that he spent approximately Ksh 6 million on his campaign.
His campaign platform — branded the “RIPE” agenda — focused on Reform, Institutional strengthening, Professional excellence and Ethical leadership.
“We need a financially disciplined, independent and member-driven Society,” he said during the campaign. “My leadership is tried and tested.”
Faith, ideology and public engagement
Kanjama is also a prominent figure in Kenya’s religious and civic spaces. He serves as Chairman of the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF), where he advocates for family values and bioethics.
He was part of the “No” campaign during the 2010 constitutional referendum, citing concerns over provisions relating to land, devolution and reproductive rights.
His strong conservative Christian views — including pro-life advocacy and litigation opposing the liberalization of abortion laws — have drawn both support and criticism. During his LSK campaign, some critics labeled him an “anti-rights ideologue,” while supporters described him as principled and consistent.
Responding to concerns about ideological divisions, Kanjama said after his win: “The Law Society is a professional body, not a political movement. My duty is to uphold the Constitution and protect the rule of law for all Kenyans.”
Personal life and intellectual interests
Outside the courtroom, Kanjama maintains a relatively private family life but is known for speaking on parenting and marriage, often referencing what he calls the “Seven C’s of Marriage”: Covenant, Character, Communication, Commitment, Companionship, Children and Charity.
A devout Catholic and long-time member of Opus Dei, his faith plays a central role in his life and public advocacy.
He is also a prolific writer and media commentator on legal and social issues, mentors university students, and supports philanthropic initiatives, particularly paying school fees for disadvantaged learners.
Kanjama has cited former U.S. President Barack Obama and South African statesman Nelson Mandela as leadership inspirations.
The road ahead for LSK
As he begins his 2026–2028 term, Kanjama faces a demanding agenda: safeguarding judicial independence, strengthening professional discipline, and positioning the LSK in national constitutional debates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For supporters, his presidency represents experienced, structured leadership. For critics, it will be a test of how he navigates ideological diversity within Kenya’s legal community.
What is clear is that Charles Kanjama now stands at the centre of Kenya’s legal and constitutional discourse — and his tenure will likely shape the direction of the Law Society of Kenya for years to come.
