Wanyama Concedes LSK Defeat, Decries Low Voter Turnout

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Lawyer Peter Wanyama has conceded defeat in the just-concluded presidential election of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), congratulating Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama on his victory while raising concerns over what he termed “deep and worrying voter apathy” within the legal fraternity

Wanyama, who announced his candidacy in September 2025, said leadership requires grace in both triumph and loss

“A true mark of leadership is to concede when one is beaten,” he stated, also commending fellow candidate Mwaura Wakabata for running what he described as a spirited and energetic campaign

Despite accepting the outcome, Wanyama expressed unease over the low voter turnout. Of more than 26,000 LSK members, approximately 18,000 hold active practising certificates. However, only 8,600 advocates cast their ballots

“I had projected that nearly 13,000 members would turn out. I was wrong,” he admitted

He dismissed suggestions that a “silent majority” determined the result, arguing instead that the majority of eligible voters did not participate at all

According to Wanyama, the figures point to a deeper structural challenge within the Society that demands honest reflection

“Why are so many advocates disengaged from elections whose outcomes significantly affect their professional lives?” he posed

Throughout his campaign, Wanyama championed a reform-driven platform focused on building what he called a “strategically strong bar” one equipped to safeguard and expand opportunities for lawyers in a rapidly evolving legal environment shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, regulatory changes and growing market competition

He urged advocates to prepare for a projected influx of more than 40,000 new lawyers over the next decade by diversifying into emerging areas such as technology and AI law, environmental and climate law, energy, blockchain and data regulation, intellectual property, public finance, capital markets, and arbitration

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In his concession remarks, Wanyama shifted focus to potential electoral reforms, suggesting that the LSK should explore structural changes to enhance member participation. He proposed leveraging digitisation, blockchain technology and digital registers to introduce online voting as a way of improving accessibility and turnout

Wanyama thanked thousands of advocates who backed his reform agenda, saying their support remains a strong foundation for continued engagement within the profession

“The members have spoken. We must defer to the will of the majority,” he said, while urging the Society to confront the uncomfortable reality reflected in the turnout numbers

The election marks a new chapter for the LSK under Kanjama’s leadership, even as questions linger about how to reinvigorate participation among its members