Ruto challenges newly appointed 54 senior counsels to uphold rule of law
By Faith Lagat, December 11, 2025President William Ruto has conferred the prestigious rank of Senior Counsel on 54 advocates during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, marking the largest single conferment in recent years.
The President described the occasion as a significant milestone for the legal fraternity, noting that the honourees had demonstrated exceptional merit, professionalism and commitment to justice.
Legal excellence under strict criteria
In his remarks, Ruto said the title represents “not only a badge of honour but also a solemn recognition of merit, responsibility, and trust.” He reminded the recipients that their elevation reflected Kenya’s commitment to integrity in legal practice.
“We gather here this morning to confer the rank of Senior Counsel upon 54 of our distinguished advocates, men and women whose illustrious service, rigorous scholarship, and impeccable integrity have earned them a place at the very pinnacle of legal excellence,” he said on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Call to safeguard democratic values
President Ruto urged the newly appointed silks to uphold the highest standards of ethical leadership and to place national interest above personal ambition. He said their elevated role demands a deeper commitment to strengthening institutions of justice.
“With this honour comes an even greater responsibility. You are called to safeguard our democracy, to strengthen our institutions of justice, support necessary reforms, and help widen the doors of access to justice,” he stated.
In a direct appeal, he added, “May our new Senior Counsel carry this distinguished title with integrity, patriotism, professionalism, and humility. May they do the utmost for our nation, safeguard our democracy, help strengthen our institutions of governance, support necessary reforms and further access to justice for all in our country.”
The President underscored that the conferment is grounded in Section 17 of the Advocates Act and the stringent requirements of Rule 7 of the Senior Counsel Conferment Rules. These include sustained excellence in practice, distinguished advocacy before superior courts, mentorship, scholarly contribution and unimpeachable professional conduct.
“Congratulations to each one of you. You stand here today because you are, beyond question, truly meritorious of the distinguished title of Senior Counsel,” he added.
Ruto commended the Committee on Senior Counsel for its transparent and merit-driven selection process, saying it reinforces public confidence in professional recognition mechanisms. He said the committee’s work “upholds the dignity of this rank and reinforces public trust in our systems of professional recognition.”
Among those honoured are seasoned legal practitioners credited with shaping jurisprudence, mentoring upcoming advocates and contributing to legal scholarship. The event was attended by members of the judiciary, the legal fraternity and senior government officials.