A total of 105 prominent lawyers have applied to join Kenya’s prestigious rank of Senior Counsel (SC), the elite class of advocates recognised for their distinguished service in the legal profession.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced that, following an official notice, it is required to publish all applicants’ names and invite public feedback before the final review.
“In light of the foregoing, this is therefore to call for comments from members on the provided list of applicants. Kindly provide us your feedback to reach us on or before 16th October 2025,” read part of a notice issued by LSK Chief Executive Officer Florence Muturi on 8 October 2025.
The conferment of the Senior Counsel title is governed by Rule 10 of the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privilege) Rules, 2011, which allows the Committee to seek additional information from applicants or any relevant parties during its deliberations.
Among the notable figures seeking the coveted status are National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji, Ombudsman Charles Dulo, and legal scholar Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba.
Other applicants include former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, former Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, ex-LSK Presidents Eric Theuri, Isaac Okero, and Nelson Havi, and former IEBC Commissioner Thomas Letangule.
Also on the list are Embu University Chancellor Prof. Wambua Musili, outgoing National Land Commission Chairman Gershom Otachi, KNCHR Chairperson Claris Awuor Oganga, IPOA Chairman Issack Hassan, and Safaricom Board Chairman Adil Khawaja.
Additional applicants include Judicial Service Commission member Omwanza Ombati, Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, former Solicitor General Ken Ogeto, and renowned lawyer Donald Kipkorir.
Senior Counsel status comes with distinct privileges, such as precedence in court hearings and the exclusive right to sit within the Bar’s inner section during proceedings.
The current Chairperson of the Senior Counsel Bar, Philip Murgor — elected in August 2025 — succeeded Dr. Fred Ojiambo. His leadership team includes Joyce Majiwa as Vice-Chairperson and Charles Kanjama as Secretary.
Kanjama noted that the conferment process was long overdue. “Technically, this should be done annually, but it hasn’t happened since 2020 or 2022 when the exercise was never completed. As to how many can be conferred, it’s up to the Committee. There is no statutory limit,” he said.
The 10-member selection panel includes a Supreme Court judge, a Court of Appeal judge, a High Court judge, the Attorney General, the LSK President, three current Senior Counsel, and two advocates with at least ten years of practice.
Once deliberations are complete, successful candidates will be recommended to the President for official conferment of the Senior Counsel title — the highest honour within Kenya’s legal fraternity.
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