Three to battle for LSK presidency as Havi eyes political office

Two lawyers in Nairobi have declared their interest to succeed outgoing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi in the forthcoming elections.

Mr Omwanza Ombati and Mr Eric Theuri have announced that they are ready to take over from Mr Havi when elections are held on March 17.

Mr Havi, whose 18-month stint at the helm of LSK was riddled with drama and controversy, has announced that he will relinquish the seat and run for political office in the August 9 General Election.

Mr Ombati has touted himself as the most qualified candidate to succeed Mr Havi, promising to offer “sober leadership” at LSK, which has more than 17,000 members countrywide.

“I want to assure lawyers across the country that, if elected the next president of LSK, I will offer sober and considerate leadership,” said Mr Ombati.

He said his track record speaks for itself, citing the legal services he offered to LSK during the 2017 presidential petition and the role he played in pushing for lawyers to be classified as essential service providers last year at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. During his tenure if elected, Mr Ombati said, he will ensure that lawyers practice in a conducive environment without any intimidation from the government or police.

Mr Theuri, who is also the chairperson of the Nairobi LSK branch, said he has a grand vision to transform the society in efforts to regain its lost glory.

He said that, if elected, he will push for the enactment of policies and laws that will make it mandatory to include lawyers in negotiations when the government enters into a free trade agreement with other countries and international organisations.

“I want lawyers to seat on the same negotiation table on matters related to our practice and this is one agenda I will push hard if I am elected as the next president of LSK,” said Mr Theuri.

Nakuru-based lawyer Bernhard Ng’etich has also thrown his hat in the ring. He announced his candidature in Nakuru City last Friday.

“This time around, the LSK president should come from outside Nairobi. I believe I have what it takes to be the next president of LSK,” said Mr Ng’etich, who is a former chairperson of the Rift Valley chapter.