Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called on lawyers to assume leadership roles in Kenya, highlighting the need for governance anchored in constitutionalism, human rights, and the rule of law.
Speaking at the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) conference in Mombasa on August 15, 2026, Sifuna described Kenya’s challenges as primarily a "software problem" that requires leaders committed to constitutional governance. He contrasted the professional backgrounds of Kenyan presidents, playfully referring to President William Ruto as a botanist, saying, "William is a botanist, which, for your information, is my favourite brand of gin."
He argued that lawyers are best suited to steer the nation towards respecting human rights and upholding the rule of law. "If Kenyans are seeking a government that respects human rights and human life, who better to lead than members of this noble profession?" he asked.
Call to Action for Legal Professionals
Sifuna urged legal practitioners to expand their role beyond contract review, encouraging them to actively participate in political leadership. "It’s time for lawyers to be in charge of the country, not just reviewing FIDIC and PPP contracts," he stated, appealing to the LSK to support this leadership transition.
He also emphasized that while lawyers should lead on governance issues, engineers and other professionals would continue to be vital in executing infrastructure projects once constitutional challenges are addressed.
Context of Judicial Accountability
Sifuna’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions within the legal community about judicial accountability and integrity. LSK President Charles Kanjama has defended the society’s selective boycott of certain judges as a lawful measure to uphold judicial transparency and combat corruption.
Kanjama affirmed the Bar’s commitment to advocating for an accountable and corruption-free judiciary, reinforcing the profession’s central role in national governance debates ahead of the 2027 General Election.
