Intrigue at LSK as chief executive is shown the door

LSK chief executive officer Mercy Wambua (in glasses). 

Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Ms Wambua is said to have been suspended for a month to allow investigations into a trip made by lawyers.

The wobbly running of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has taken a new twist after chief executive officer Mercy Wambua was suspended in a communication made to her by the president, Nelson Havi.

Ms Wambua is said to have been suspended for a month to allow investigations into a trip made by lawyers and whose details remain scanty.

It was unclear whether the trip was connected to details shared by Mr Havi in his defence in a letter sent to the Nation on September 11 about a meeting in Naivasha, which he sought to clarify that he did not attend.

In his letter, Mr Havi explained that he had intended to attend the council induction meeting in Naivasha from August 27 to 30 but failed to do so after his client Daniel Manduku, the former Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) boss, was arrested.

The Nation has established that Mr Collins Odiambo has been designated as the acting CEO during Ms Wambua’s suspension.

Ms Wambua, who has worked with LSK for the last eight years, was appointed as the LSK acting CEO in January 2016 following the exit of Apollo Mboya.

LSK President Nelson Havi, vice president Carolyne Kamende Daudi and chief executive officer Mercy Wambua (centre) at the institution’s offices in Nairobi on March 2, 2020. 

Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group