The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has finally unveiled the names of four presidential contestants for its upcoming elections for the period 2020-2022.
This time around, LSK seems to have picked on those who can be described as the four “big wigs” in the legal fraternity making the contest not only interesting but a tight one too.
The contestants are Mutua Maria Mbeneka of Kimani Kabucho Mebeneka Advocates, Kanjama Charles Njiru of Muma & Kanjama Advocates, Havi Nelson Andayi of Havi & Co. Advocates and Chiggai Harriette of Chiggai Alakonya Lusigi and Odongo LLP.
Even before the official release of the names, the ground was already in motion with contestants trying to pull the masses both online and offline. In what seems to be a 50/50 balance of gender, the list of aspirants has two men and two women.
“This race is a hot one. I can tell you for sure that the ground is going to shift. I am not a prophet and neither am I related to one but I can see a lady carrying the day. It is time for female lawyers to reclaim their space and they can do it,” said a lawyer who did not want to be mentioned.
Talking of a “lady carrying the day” in the upcoming LSK Presidential elections, one Mutua Maria Mbeneka is the lady to watch. She is surely going to give the other contestants a run for their money. As the young Kenyans say, kwa ground vitu ni different and according to the little bird in the corridors, Mbeneka is the one to watch.
According to some of the lawyers we interviewed, Mbeneka has won soft spots in the hearts of the majority of the lawyers because of her lack of controversy and “she is not bossy like some people we know.” “The lady is that leader who speaks softly and carries a big stick. Such a leader goes far with the people.” Said, one lawyer.
A good leader takes his people to a place, not because the people want to but because he or she knows that the people must be there for their own good.
According to Mbeneka, she said she aspires for a society that is sober, that is inclusive to all divergent views and one that is innovative to ensure that all the needs of the members are met.
In the ongoing debate about conflict of interest, Mbeneka affirmed her commitment to ensuring that once elected as the President of the society, she will step aside from the Co-operative Tribunal, which she is a member because her key interest is to ensure that the LSK is united, accommodative to all and is independent to the safeguard the interests of the members and the public at large.
She says once elected she would lead the society to legally push for better conversations and solutions across board in ensuring that every member of the society has a sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, the ground is now set. Who is your favorite candidate? Leave a comment.