Martha Karua, Kalonzo Apply to Become Senior Counsels
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his Narc-Kenya counterpart Martha Karua are seeking to become Senior Counsels.
The two are among about 60 Kenyan lawyers who have applied to acquire the coveted title, which is given to highly experienced attorneys.
Others seeking to join lawyers’ exclusive club of Senior Counsel are former Mombasa mayor Taib Ali Taib, former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Philip Murgor, Prof.Ben Sihanya, and Nairobi LSK chairman Charles Kanjama.
Others include Political Parties Dispute Tribunal Chairman Kyalo Mbobu, Moi University don Prof. Nixon Sifuna, veteran lawyer John Khaminwa, Katwa Kigen, Donald Kipkorir, Evans Monari, Wilfred Nderitu, and Judy Thongori.
Former LSK president Eric Mutua, Ambrose Rachier, Fred Ngatia, Kioko Kilikumi, Prof. Albert Mumma, and current Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Allen Gichuhi have also applied to be elevated.
Applicants will be vetted by a committee whose members include Attorney General, a Court of Appeal and High Court judge, three Senior Counsel Members and four advocates.
After vetting, the committee recommends the names to the President for conferment. The names are then published in a gazette notice.
Some of the popular Kenyan Senior Counsel members include former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, former Attorney-General Prof. Githu Muigai, Busia Senator Amos Wako, and Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko.
Others are Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, Siaya Senator James Orengo, Prof. Tom Ojienda, Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, Paul Muite, and Lucy Kambuni.
To qualify for conferment as Senior Counsel, one must have been an advocate of the High Court for over 15 years.
The title is also given to those who have made immense contributions to the development of the legal profession through scholarly writings and presentations.
Comments
Kalonzo was given another…
Permalink
Kalonzo was given another job last week sijui Kenya ambassador in South Sudan.
Kenyans and titles. Wish…
Permalink
Kenyans and titles. Wish titles were given based on the body of work and contribution to the nation. But for Kenyans its all about titles. Do they include that on the gravestone? If so, do the termites know the difference?
Don't recall last time…
Permalink
Don't recall last time Martha was in high court as a lawyer.
This reminds me of the…
Permalink
This reminds me of the vanity of the British system, which Kenya embraces without question, as opposed to the American system, where lawyers don't even wear wigs or gowns, but still somehow manage to practice law. What substance does a title, such as Queens Counsel, or Senior Counsel, provide to Clients? How does as a seating position in a Courtroom, or the priority given to lawyers in asking questions, and giving submissions in a Court case, matter? Does it affect the outcome? And why, pray, do Kenyan lawyers and judges wear 18th Century Victorian England wigs, in the 21st Century?
The titles these people are…
Permalink
The titles these people are seeking are not honorary ones like those conferred by the govt, eg, EGH, moran this and moran that.
The title senior counsel is a professional one based on your professional accomplishments.
I'll give an example of something I am familiar with.
After graduating with an engineering degree in the US, your first job title will be Assistant Engineer. After two years or so of work experience you could get promoted to Associate Engineer.
The next title would be Engineer. This will require you get a professional license and become a professional engineer. You will now be recognized as a professional and can sign engineering plans, documents etc.
Titles after that would be Supervising or Principle Engineer, Engineering Manager then Chief Engineer.
I hope this helps.
Add new comment