Row erupts on lawyers’ code of ethics

Former TJRC Commisioner Tom Ojienda (centre) and other members of the Law Society of Kenya after addressing members of the press in Mombasa. Controversy has erupted over a new charter for Kenyan advocates ahead of Law Society of Kenya polls next month. PHOTO/KEVIN ODIT 

In Summary

• The new charter, which came into effect last June, could be used to block some lawyers from being elected to the powerful LSK council.

By Nation Reporter
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Controversy has erupted over a new charter for Kenyan advocates ahead of Law Society of Kenya polls next month.

The new charter, which came into effect last June, could be used to block some lawyers from being elected to the powerful LSK council.

The new rules are targeting top lawyers with known political affiliations from contesting in the elections to elect a new chairman, 10 council members and representative of the society at the Judicial Service Commission.

The controversy resolves around a clause in the code of ethics that requires absolute political neutrality for LSK officials elected to the council.

LSK chairman Alfred Mutua yesterday said the society was determined to adhere to the council’s code of conduct.

Lawyers Faith Waigwa, Lilian Omondi and Judith Sijeny are among top lawyers who could be barred from the council.

Ms Waigwa was the chairperson of the TNA post-nomination tribunal while Ms Sijeny, a current council member, is a Wiper party nominated senator.

“I chaired the TNA tribunal but I did that in my professional capacity... Ms Omondi swore an affidavit in favour of a presidential candidate ... yet no one is talking about that,” Ms Waigwa said.