NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1– Faith Odhiambo has emerged victorious as the new President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), becoming the second woman to lead the bar association after Raychelle Omamo, who served from 2001 to 2003.
Odhiambo, who is the outgoing LSK Vice President having assumed the role in February 2022, will succeed Eric Theuri as the 51st LSK President.
She expressed her gratitude to his rivals for a fair and cordial competition.
“Thank you for making your choice, the Stable Progressive Bar. Once again, you have kept the Faith, and fulfilling my commitment to you is the highest gratitude I can offer, and I shall,” Odhiambo stated following her victory in polls held on Thursday.
She hailed the example set by the LSK on the conduct of a professional and respectful election despite divergent views.
“We must now make the PSP Agenda a reality, the vote in support of it is an affirmation that it is the right plan of action for our society. Let us build this stable progressive bar together!” Odhiambo asserted.
She won the race after beating four other candidates.
Rivals concede
Odhimabo’s closest rival, Peter Wanyama, conceded defeat and congratulated her on her win.
“Myself- I have lost on paper to Faith Odhiambo (who I unreservedly congratulate) but I have won at heart. I have achieved my lifetime objective of interacting with colleagues and demonstrated the eternal verities and the spirit of Ubuntu,” Wanyama said.
Daudi Carolyne Kamende emerged third followed by Ng’etich Bernhard Kipkoech and Mboce Harriet Njoki.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga who endorsed Odiambo’s candidate on Wednesday ahead of the polls, praised her as a brilliant and progressive lawyer.
He urged her to uphold the rule of law and serve the interests of the legal fraternity and the public.
Odhiambo thanked her supporters and promised to deliver on her mandate.
She vowed to focus on enhancing the welfare of lawyers, promoting access to justice, and strengthening the independence of the judiciary.
On the other hand, LSK’s outgoing President Eric Theuri, advised her to always do the right thing and say no if in doubt.
Theuri unsuccessfully vied for the Judicial Service Commission Male Representative position. Samson Omwanza bagged the slot.
