Peter Wanyama has conceded defeat in the presidential election of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), acknowledging Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama as the winner following the announcement of results on February 20, 2026.
Official results supervised by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed Kanjama securing 3,728 votes to win the presidency for the 2026-2028 term, while Wanyama garnered 2,616 votes and Mwaura Kabata received 2,086 votes.
In a statement shared on X hours after the declaration, Wanyama accepted the outcome and congratulated his competitors.
“A true mark of leadership is to concede defeat when one is beaten,” he wrote on February 20, 2026.
“Members have spoken; we must defer to the will of the majority.”
He also congratulated Kabata for his performance and extended his best wishes to Kanjama as he prepares to assume office.
Campaign agenda and reform proposals
Wanyama launched his campaign in September 2025 on a platform centred on building a “strategically strong bar” in response to anticipated changes within the legal profession.
He warned of a shrinking practice space, citing projections of more than 40,000 new lawyers expected over the next decade, and urged advocates to expand into emerging practice areas including artificial intelligence, blockchain and virtual assets, environmental law and ESG, renewable energy, biotechnology, aviation law, structured finance, and arbitration.
While thanking supporters who backed his vision, Wanyama also raised concerns about voter turnout. He noted that only 8,600 out of approximately 18,000 active LSK members participated in the election, which he said fell below expectations.
He questioned the apparent apathy despite the direct impact of LSK leadership on advocates’ professional affairs and called for structural reforms, including adoption of online voting supported by blockchain technology and digital registers.
Kanjama outlines priorities after victory
Speaking after the results were declared, Kanjama described his election as both an honour and responsibility and pledged to work toward unity within the profession.
He outlined priorities that include strengthening internal democracy, addressing workplace harassment concerns affecting advocates, and empowering mid-level and younger lawyers through improved professional support systems.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, he cautioned that the country is not fully prepared and said the LSK would advocate for electoral reforms, adequate budgeting, and professional standards among stakeholders.
Kanjama will succeed outgoing LSK President Faith Odhiambo, with transition arrangements already underway ahead of a formal handover in line with society regulations.
