National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are among lawyers recommended for the conferment of the rank of Senior Counsel.
According to a list published by LSK Committee on Senior Council Chairperson Philip Murgor on Thursday, December 4, a total of 54 lawyers have been recommended for the coveted title.
They include Rapinder Singh Sehmi, Paul Ndiritu Ndungu, Clement Muturi Kigano, Eliud Ng’ang’a Njoroge, Evans Thiga Gaturu, Ambrose Rachier Otieno, Richard Omwela, Alexandra Kontos and Nancy Wakarima Karigithu.
Others are Moses Kipng’etich Kurgat, Rubeena Dar, Dr. Kivutha Kibwana, Lumatete Walubengo Muchai, Njoroge Regeru, Prof. Patrick Otieno Lumumba, Anastacia Kioko Mululu, James Ochieng’ Oduol, Jane Njeri Onyango Njoki and Christine Agimba Anyango.
Hillary Chacha Odera, Njeri Caroline Ndegwa Kariuki, Mercy Wangari Buku, Isaac Edwin Okero, Prof. Kariuki Muigua, Dr. Hosea Kimutai Kili, Kennedy Ogeto, Praxedes Chepkoech Tororey, James Mburu Kamau, and William Ikutha Maema have also been recommended for the title.
Read More
Others in the list are Patrick Lutta Odongo, Ruth Anyango Aura, Dr. Mercy Mwarah Deche, Hassan Nunow Lakicha, Koki Muli Grignon, James Aggrey Mwamu, Adil Khawaja, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Paul Lilan, and Henry Ongicho Asugah.
Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Jedidah Wakonya Waruhiu, Mohammed Salim Balala, Rose Waithera Njoroge, Nazima Malik, Michi Kirimi Kanyiri, Richard Harney, Ahmed Sheikh Adan, and Nelson Andayi Havi also made it to the list.
The Senior Counsel (SC) rank is a prestigious legal title awarded to advocates who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and integrity in the legal profession.
It is comparable to the Queen’s Counsel (QC) in the United Kingdom and represents the highest level of professional recognition for advocates in the country.
The conferment of this rank is guided by the Advocates Act and the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules.
These laws set out the qualifications, procedures, and privileges associated with the rank to ensure merit, integrity, and competence remain at the core of selection.
To qualify for the Senior Counsel rank, an advocate must have practiced for at least 15 years as a member of the Bar and demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the law.
Candidates must also exhibit high moral standing, professional excellence, and a record of ethical conduct.
They should have handled substantive cases before superior courts and contributed to the development of Kenya’s legal system through mentorship, scholarship, or public service.
Any advocate found guilty of professional misconduct is automatically disqualified from consideration.
The process begins when eligible advocates apply through the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
Applications are then reviewed by the Committee on Senior Counsel, a vetting body that includes senior members of the judiciary, LSK representatives, and other legal experts.
The committee evaluates candidates based on their competence, character, and contribution to the law before making recommendations to the Chief Justice, who forwards the final list to the President for conferment.
Once approved, the names are entered in the official Roll of Senior Counsel.
Those conferred with the rank enjoy several privileges, including precedence in court proceedings, except before certain constitutional offices like the Attorney-General or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
They are also entitled to wear distinctive attire, symbolizing their seniority and status, a tradition often referred to as 'taking silk.'
