Nelson Havi Beats Governor's Wife to Become LSK President

Lawyers Maria Mbeneka and Nelson Havi were contesting to become LSK president
Lawyers Maria Mbeneka and Nelson Havi were contesting to become LSK president
File

Nelson Havi's resounding and decisive win opens the door to the much-awaited window for a brave new bar geared towards deepening the rule of law, constitutionalism and monitoring legislation.

The race had attracted four candidates – two men and two women, one of them Maria Mbeneka who is wife to Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi. 

“In recent times, I have announced my intention to serve the legal fraternity in a different capacity as the president of the Law Society of Kenya.

"My intention to serve in this capacity may create a potential conflict of interest given my current status as a member of the Co-operative Tribunal," she had stated in her resignation letter to Agriculture CS Peter Munya. 

Lawyers Maria Mbeneka and Nelson Havi participating in a debate at Kerugoya on February 21, 2020
Lawyers Maria Mbeneka and Nelson Havi participating in a debate at Kerugoya on February 21, 2020

In a congratulatory message, Charles Kanjama who also vied for the same position said that Havi was victorious because he had carried out a bold and effective campaign.

He added that he was happy and willing to support him in realizing the pledges they had made to the Law Society Of Kenya.

"I congratulate my classmate Nelson Havi on running a bold and effective campaign that has captured the confidence of lawyers across the country," stated Charles Kanjama.

Charles Kanjama
Charles Kanjama during a press conference on March 20. 2018.
The Standard

"I congratulate him on a race well run and, as a democrat, am happy to accept the will of the voters. On my part, I pledge to support Havi. I wish him success wholeheartedly and urge all lawyers to do the same. We all need LSK to succeed," he added.

Havi takes over from outgoing President Allen Gichuhi who came into office in 2017 with promises of turning LSK into a transformative and visionary body.

However, the jury is still out on whether or not he achieved this during a reign some have described as having little judicial activism and a rather muted checking of the state. Many are looking forward to Havi's leadership at the helm of the law body.