By Sam Alfan.
A total of 105 lawyers, among them Speaker of National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula and National Intelligence Service (NIS) boss Noordin Haji have applied to join the senior counsel bar.
The 105 advocates who sent their names for consideration by committee on senior counsel include three former presidents of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Isaac Okero, Nelson Havi and Eric Theuri.
Other notable advocates are Wambua Kilonzo, who has been a long-acting lawyer for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and a confidant to the former chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Mr. Kilonzo was also the chairperson of IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee handled various complex matters before the last general election together with other committee members.
His work were recognised and appreciated by the commission after resolving disputes ahead of the 2017 election.
“In recognition and appreciation of your exceptional work, outstanding leadership, diligence and dedication as a Chairperson Panel 1 of the Commission’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) from 4th June, 2022 to 28th June, 2022,” stated the appreciation certificate by Chebukati.
Other than electoral matters, Kilonzo has defended Communication Authority of Kenya in several matters including the contentious digital migration case and secured Victory for the CA.
Former Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai and veteran lawyer Waweru Gatonye have both recommended lawyer Kilonzo to be conferred with the prestigious tittle, stating that he deserved to join the senior counsel bar.
Lawyer Gatonye said Kilonzo was an exemplary advocate of over 20 years of legal practice and who has greatly contributed to the development of this country’s jurisprudence through his outstanding prosecution of matters in superior courts.
Gatonye worked with lawyer Wambua Kilonzo during the Goldenberg Commission of Inquiry in 2003.
“I can emphatically state that he has demonstrated exceptional analytical, logical and excellent litigation skills. Further, he is a great team player and demonstrated excellent leadership skills,” said lawyer Gatonye.
He said lawyer Kilonzo is a man of integrity and he has no doubt in his mind that conferring him the rank of senior counsel will be of great benefit to the legal profession in this country.
Other prominent personalities on the list are law scholar and former Makueni governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana, Prof PLO Lumumba, Donald Kipkorir, Prof Ben Sihanya and Dr Ken Kiplagat.
Former solicitor general Kennedy Ogeto, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan, former PS Nancy Karigithu, Charles Nyachae and Katwa Kigen, have also applied to be considered.
Others are former Judicial Service Commission (JSC) commissioner Mercy Deche, Ambrose Rachier, Dr Koki Muli Gringon, Ms Michi Kirimi, and Dr Muthomi Thiankolu.
In a notice, LSK invited comments on the applicants, which are to be received by October 16, 2025.
“In light of the forgoing, this is therefore a call for comments from members, on the provided list of applicants,” stated the notice.
The committee will review the names within 30 days, before transmitting them to Chief Justice Martha Koome, who will thereafter, pass them to President William Ruto, for conferment.
The President, upon receiving the list of recommended candidates, may grant the rank of senior counsel.
The committee is tasked with considering applications for the conferment, making recommendations to the President and addressing applications for removal from the Roll of senior counsel.
Senior counsel Philip Murgor, the current chair of the senior counsel bar said the large number of applicants was a testimony that advocates have faith in the process.
“It also shows that lawyers agree that conferment should be based on certain criteria and peer review process,” he said.
The roll was introduced in 2003, and lawyers have to apply to be considered for admission to the prestigious club.
