DP Kindiki, Speaker Kingi, Khaminwa among 146 lawyers seeking Senior Counsel rank

DP Kindiki, Speaker Kingi, Khaminwa among 146 lawyers seeking Senior Counsel rank - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Lawyer John Khaminwa. (Photo: Courtesy)

The rank of Senior Counsel is conferred on advocates who demonstrate exceptional professional competence, integrity and service to the legal profession.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, veteran lawyer John Khaminwa and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Claris Awuor Ogangah are among 146 advocates seeking conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Counsel in the 2026 selection cycle.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) published the list on Wednesday, October 21, bringing together prominent politicians, senior government officials, legal scholars, human-rights defenders and experienced courtroom litigators.

Other notable applicants include Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, former LSK president Faith Odhiambo, constitutional lawyer Ekuru Aukot and human-rights advocate Gitobu Imanyara.

The list also features Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing’oei, Solicitor-General Shadrack Mose, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, Prof. Ben Sihanya, advocates Donald Kipkorir, Danstan Omari and Julie Soweto, as well as former MP Samuel Chepkong’a and veteran lawyer Dinesh Kapila.

Kindiki, listed at position 116, brings an academic background in international law alongside experience in public service, including his previous roles as Tharaka-Nithi Senator and Interior Cabinet Secretary. Kindiki is also a professor of international law who previously taught at the University of Nairobi and Moi University. He also served on President William Ruto’s defence team at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Kingi, at position 105, previously served as Magarini MP and Kilifi Governor before becoming Senate Speaker in September 2022. Kang’ata, listed at position 134, has served as Murang’a Senator and governor.

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Khaminwa, listed at position two, is among the most recognisable veterans of Kenya’s legal profession, known for constitutional litigation and human-rights advocacy. Imanyara, at position 11, is also recognised for his contribution to the struggle for multiparty democracy and freedom of expression through legal practice and journalism.

Marende, listed at position 15, presided over the National Assembly between 2008 and 2013, during a politically consequential period following the 2007–2008 post-election violence. Baraza, listed at position 19, previously served as Deputy Chief Justice.

Sing’oei, at position 102, brings experience in international law, scholarship and government service, while Ogangah’s application adds the perspective of a leader of the country’s national human-rights institution.

The rank of Senior Counsel is conferred on advocates who demonstrate exceptional professional competence, integrity and service to the legal profession.

Under the Advocates Act and the 2011 Senior Counsel Rules, the Committee on Senior Counsel evaluates applications before recommending successful candidates to the President for conferment.