Lessons in internal democracy from Law Society of Kenya polls

By Charles Kanjama

Six months ago, when newly re-elected Law Society of Kenya (LSK) chairman Eric Mutua informed me of his intention to run for a second term, my first reaction was surprise. I had not been aware, until then, that the law actually allowed a chairman to seek re-election after doing his traditional two-year term. My second response was to advise Eric thus: “If the law allows you to run again, of course you are entitled to, but I advise you against it. I think you’ve done a fairly good job, but it’s time for change.”