I will fiercely defend rule of law, says LSK presidential hopeful

LSK vice president Faith Odhiambo. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) vice president Faith Odhiambo has vowed to fiercely defend the rule of law if elected to lead the lawyer's body.

Ms Odhiambo, who is seeking to replace LSK president Eric Theuri in elections planned for next month, said the country's democracy depended on a collective effort to safeguard it from abuse.

"I ask advocates to support me so that we defend rule of law with zeal and fierceness of our conviction. I promise a stable, responsive, fearless and progressive bar that cares not just for those receiving justice, but also those helping midwife it," she said on Tuesday as she returned her nomination papers for the LSK presidency.

Odhiambo slammed President William Ruto for his continued attack on the Judiciary, saying it was unfortunate that he was hiding behind general criticism instead of tabling evidence of corruption in the Judiciary.

"It is unfortunate that the president, even as we speak today, and after so much outcry from the public, still continues to lambast the Judiciary, citing judges and their enables that he cannot name," she said.

"He has the instruments that can ensure proper evidence is pieced together to ensure those unethical judicial officers are removed from the corridors of our courts," she added.

Odhiambo is among the candidates seeking the LSK's presidency in the polls slated for February 22 upon the expiry of the current council's two-year term.

Others seeking the LSK presidency include former vice president Carolyne Kamende, council member Njoki Mboce and lawyers Peter Wanyama and Bernard Ng'etich.

"On my candidature, today I make it official that I'm in this race to win it, and do so in a credible and fair space. I promise my opponents a fair contest, issue based campaign and robust discourse that will enrich our society," said Odhiambo.

LSK has been instrumental in pushing pro-democracy reform and remains a custodian of public interest. It also offers checks to the government, initiating public litigation in instances of potential breach of the law.