Havi pledges to serve the public, unite LSK members after clinching seat

Newly elected Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi (right) with Elegeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen. [Courtesy]

The newly elected Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has pledged to unite the association members and serve the public after his election.

“My mandate now is to unify members of LSK and ensure we work together for the betterment of the association,” he said when he spoke to the media on Friday, a day after winning the seat.

Havi also said he will defend the Judiciary’s independence and at the same ensure there is accountability in the court systems. 

“We will ensure the Judiciary we keep the Judiciary accountable and defends its independence,” said the outspoken lawyer.

Havi praised his rivals -Charles Kanjama and former LSK Council members Harriette Chiggai and Maria Mbeneka- saying they exhibited maturity during the campaigns.

“It is the first time in LSK’s history when candidates in the election call the winner to congratulate him even before a formal announcement is made,” he said.

He invited his rivals and their supporters to now come together and serve the association and the public well.

“I have pleaded with them to be close to me so that we serve the society and the public well,” he added.

Outgoing president Allen Gichuhi congratulated Havi and Independent Electoral Boundaries and Commission (IEBC) for conducting a free and fair poll.

Since IEBCE started conducting the association’s polls, we can say they have done a good job,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to his retirement and to hand over to Nelson (Havi).

Havi will serve a two-year term from 2020 to 2022.

During the campaign period, Havi rode on the narrative to wake up the sleeping giant and return LSK to its glory days of fiery advocacy under the likes of Paul Muite and Willy Mutunga.

Havi was seen as a fresh face in the polls being the only candidate for the presidency who had not served in the Council.

Havi's campaigned on "A brave new bar, mantra pledging to restore LSK’s lost glory".

Among the issues that the advocates said they want to be addressed is the rise in cases of quack lawyers who have invaded the profession, as well as having the voice of LSK in the referendum debate.

Some lawyers felt the society had been silent on pertinent issues affecting the public and their profession.