NAIROBI, Kenya – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Senior Counsel Bar have rejected a proposal to amend the Advocates Act to give the President unilateral powers to confer the rank of Senior Counsel, warning it would politicize the highest honour in the legal profession.
Speaking after a joint press briefing on Friday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the proposed amendment — sponsored by Tharaka MP George Murugara — threatens to “undermine decades of hard-won standards” by transferring the power to award the title from an independent, merit-based process to political hands.
“This process must remain merit-based, peer-reviewed and independent of political influence,” Ms Odhiambo said. “Senior Counsel should continue to represent legal excellence earned through professional achievement, not an automatic title tied to public office.”
Currently, the conferment of Senior Counsel status is determined by peers through a rigorous selection process that assesses legal excellence, leadership, and contribution to the development of jurisprudence.
The title has previously been awarded to prominent figures such as former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, former Attorney General Githu Muigai, and veteran lawyers Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka.
Ms Odhiambo urged MP Murugara to “unconditionally withdraw this amendment and reaffirm the existing legal framework supported by public participation,” pledging that LSK would continue to engage constructively in shaping reforms that protect professional standards.
The Senior Counsel Bar also threw its weight behind the opposition to the amendment.
The body, which represents holders of the prestigious rank, recently elected a new leadership team led by Chairperson Philip Murgor, Vice-Chairperson Joyce Majiwa, and Secretary Charles Kanjama.
Murgor, who succeeds Dr Fred Ojiambo after more than a decade at the helm, warned that politicising the title could erode its integrity and credibility within the legal fraternity.
The Senior Counsel designation is awarded sparingly and is regarded as the pinnacle of achievement for advocates in Kenya, symbolising exceptional advocacy skills, integrity, and service to the profession.
