LSK president aspirant Peter Wanyama battles state-friendly tag, refutes links to ODM and UDA
By Luke Oluoch, January 21, 2026The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president hopeful Peter Wanyama has refuted claims of being a state-friendly lawyer, asserting that he remains an independent advocate committed to improving the interests of ordinary wananchi.
Speaking to a local TV station on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Wanyama also denied links to major political parties in Kenya, such as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s UDA. He emphasised that he has numerous cases challenging the government in court.
He stated that his legal battles against the government have been instrumental in pushing for the betterment of the country’s development and establishing a nation built on the principles of the rule of law.
“The assertions that I am a state lawyer are not true. This is not the case. Devolution is now strong because of me and the cases I have filed against the government. Last time, I went to court and ensured that the government allocates devolution funds to rural areas and improves infrastructure. I recently obtained a court order directing the government to stop its e-procurement practices and make them accessible to all Kenyans, including the poor, based on equality,” he stated.
Not ODM or UDA member
“I have been at the forefront of protecting constitutionalism in Kenya. I am not a member of ODM or UDA, which have been colluding to hurt Kenyans. I will do all it takes as LSK president to push the concerns of ordinary wananchi,” he declared.
Wanyama, who contested the position in 2024, is making his second attempt and seeks to ascend to the top of the lawyers’ welfare body.
He has hinged his candidacy on enhancing legal practice, making it more friendly for attorneys, and protecting their rights to practice.
He highlighted the emerging existential risks facing the legal profession regarding rule-of-law issues, as well as the need to safeguard the space for legal practitioners, which he says is under existential threat.
“I am running on a campaign to protect our gains as lawyers. Our lawyers are complaining about the risks in the legal profession. You can imagine judges saying that lawyers ought not to be paid fees,” he added.
The lawyer also spoke highly of the outgoing president, Faith Odhiambo, praising her tenure as one that excelled in issues of human rights advocacy.
“My colleague Faith Odhiambo did well on rule-of-law issues, but we have to be more responsive to our members beyond just rule-of-law matters. My agenda is to tackle both, but to be more dominant on responsiveness issues,” he said.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) elections for the positions of president, vice president, and council members (for the 2026-2028 term) are scheduled for February 19, 2026.
The contest has also attracted the current Vice President, Mwaura Kabata, and Advocate of the High Court, Charles Kanjama.
The election is open to practicing advocates with valid certificates.