The battle for Law Society of Kenya (LSK) female representative’s seat to the powerful Judicial Service Commission (JSC) intensifies as six candidates begin their campaign.
The electoral board of LSK accepted the six candidates in the campaign to succeed Mercy Deche, who stepped down despite being eligible for a second five-year term.
The post entails the ability to employ and discharge members of the judiciary, including Supreme Court judges, as well as approval of judicial budget.
Those who have been cleared to vie for the seat are Aullo Julie Soweto, Jacqueline Osiako Ingutiah, Kipsang Christine Mwikali, Konuche Anna Cherono, Njagi Jane Nyaboke and Otieno Mercy Aoko.
However, it looks like the race has narrowed to a two-horse fight between Konuche and Soweto, both of whom have launched large physical and online campaigns.
The elections will be conducted by the IEBC in various High Court stations across the country.
LSK has not had a female representative at the JSC since Deche’s tenure ended in 2020. The effort to replace her was stopped by the High Court.
The seat is a lucrative position as it puts commissioners at the helm of the Judiciary.
The commission makes decisions on the appointment of judges, approving the Judiciary budget, and disciplining errant judicial officers.
LSK members will also elect members of the LSK council comprising a general member of 25 years’ experience, general member representative, upcountry representative, Coast region representative and Nairobi representative.
About 20,000 lawyers are expected to vote in the forthcoming elections.
