Assessing 180 Days of Faith Mony Odhiambo as President of the Law Society of Kenya
By J. Jarpa Dawuni, Ph.D. & S. Muthoka Mutie, Ph.D.
IAWL has launched a new blog series, WHEN WOMEN IN LAW LEAD, using storytelling and legal narratives to showcase how African women in law and leadership are transforming legal institutions, contributing to justice, the rule of law, and women’s empowerment. In a round of engaging questions, we delve deeper into the Perspectives, Positionalities and Politics of women’s leadership in law. In this maiden series, we present Ms. Faith Mony Odhiambo, the second female president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), in conversation with Dr. J. Jarpa Dawuni and Dr. S. Muthoka Mutie.
In a reflective and engaging memoir, Women, Resilience and the Will to Lead, Linda Kasonde, the first woman president of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), narrates her trajectory to leadership at the bar and how she overcame challenges to excel as a leader and a lawyer. Linda’s story of resilience and an unwavering desire to make positive change draws on the life histories of several other pioneer African women in law who have broken barriers and shattered the chains of patriarchal oppression to rise into leadership.
Her impact on society is significant, and her role is crucial. For instance, during the recent youth-led demonstrations against the infamous Finance Bill 2024, which was marred by extrajudicial killings, forced abductions, and torture, the Law Society of Kenya, under the leadership of Faith Mony Odhiambo, played a crucial role. The Society portrayed unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of citizens, as demonstrated in their petition, and representing the arrested protesters, securing their timely release.
The image of the LSK president standing alongside the Gen-Z protesters who have faced the brunt of
police brutality and condemning the atrocious acts being perpetrated by the police will remain with the public for a long time. Under Faith Odhiambo’s leadership, will the public’s perception of the LSK as a vibrant public ally and an organization committed to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of citizens be revived? Here are some preliminary observations touching on the first six months of her leadership.
IAWL: What was the status of the Society (its image in the eyes of Kenyans) before taking over the reins of leadership?
FAITH: Before assuming leadership of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Society had unfortunately lost much of its former glory, and the public's confidence in the Society had dwindled. Internal challenges, including leadership wrangles and a perceived disconnect from the needs of both the legal profession and the broader public, had significantly eroded its standing. Unfortunately, many Kenyans saw the Society as more focused on internal disputes than on championing justice and the rule of law. Upon taking office, restoring the Society’s integrity and re-establishing public trust became my primary objective. Under my leadership, the Law Society of Kenya has since reestablished and affirmed its place as the bulwark for the rule of law in Kenya.
IAWL: What would you classify as your topmost contribution as a leader to the Society and the country?
FAITH: My topmost contribution as a leader has been the re-establishment of the LSK as a formidable and independent institution in the justice and civic space. Under my leadership, the Society has taken decisive steps to address government excesses, advocate for human rights, and promote good governance. I acknowledge that it is easier to be knocked off our perch than it was to rise to it. Currently, there is near nationwide consensus that the LSK is a worthy ally of the people of Kenya and a firm champion of accountability from government and public sector institutions. Nationally, the Society has become a critical voice in safeguarding constitutionalism and the rule of law, holding both state and non-state actors accountable.
Other key achievements include:
Improvement of Service Delivery: We conducted a technical review of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, identifying gaps and initiating the procurement process for a new system. The new ERP, scheduled for implementation this year, will significantly enhance efficiency in service provision to members.
Review of Advocates Remuneration Order (ARO): We reconstituted the Ad Hoc Committee on Review of the ARO, which is actively revising the remuneration structure to reflect current economic circumstances and professional dynamics, aiming to secure better terms of service for our members.
Strategic Partnerships for Member Welfare: We established a standing MoU with Zamara Risk & Insurance Brokers Limited to secure cost-effective insurance solutions for members, including medical cover, professional indemnity, and pension, thereby enhancing the overall welfare and safety of our members. We are also striving towards working with other insurance agencies to get the best medical cover for members and provide other services, including pension schemes for Senior Advocates.
Upholding Quality in Legal Education and Practice: My council has commenced consultations on key issues such as cross-border practice and CPD program standards. We are committed to transforming our CPD Programme into a training institute and center of excellence, ensuring our members maintain high standards of legal practice.
Protection of Members: The council has proactively addressed threats and harassment against advocates, ensuring their safety and ability to practice without external interference. We have also strengthened the Society’s capacity to self-regulate and resist overregulation by external entities.
Judicial Oversight: The council is in the process of establishing an LSK Committee on Collection of Complaints against Judicial Officers. This committee will provide an independent avenue for lodging and tracking complaints, thereby enhancing our oversight role over the judiciary.
Strengthening Pro Bono Services: The council has advanced efforts to standardize and monitor pro bono services across East Africa, embedding continuous training into our CPD program to ensure advocates are well-equipped to manage pro bono cases effectively.
Active Leadership in Public Interest: The council has been at the forefront in presenting memoranda on legislation, filing public interest petitions, and challenging any defiance against the Constitution, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.
IAWL: You seem to be in favour with the members of the opposition and the civil society more than your predecessors. What is the trick?
FAITH: It is not so much favour as it is a shared commitment to the rule of law and justice. The LSK is statutorily mandated to be a neutral defender of constitutionalism, principles of justice, and the rule of law; I take this mandate very seriously. Political expediency does not inform what we do or why we do it. Still, by standing firm on constitutionalism, human rights, and public interest, I have naturally found common ground with similarly well-minded entities. Ultimately, the goal remains ensuring that the Society stays true to its mandate as a guardian of justice.
IAWL: You were the Vice President of the Society deputizing Eric Theuri. Would you say there are things you could not do then but can do now? What difference does it make to be leading the Society as the woman President?
FAITH: As Vice President, my role was largely supportive, focusing on executing the vision of the then-President. While I was involved in strategic decisions, the ultimate responsibility lay with the President. Now, as the President, I have the latitude to set the agenda, lead from the front, and implement my vision for the Society. Leading as a woman president brings an additional layer of responsibility—to inspire and pave the way for more women in leadership. It allows me to advocate more strongly for gender parity within the legal profession and beyond, ensuring that the Society reflects the diversity of the nation it serves. As a woman, the burden can be quite high because you have to work extra hard to leave a legacy that allows all the women and girls who look up to you are seen as worthy and deserving of the opportunities you have had.
IAWL: What are the main contributors to success for a woman leader in the Kenyan legal domain?
FAITH: The primary contributors to success for a woman leader in Kenya’s legal domain include resilience, strategic vision, and a strong support network. Resilience is crucial in leadership, especially in navigating the often male-dominated leadership in the legal profession. At the same time, a clear strategic vision ensures that one remains focused on long-term goals despite the challenges. Building alliances with like-minded colleagues and mentors within and outside the legal profession provides the necessary support and guidance. Furthermore, maintaining integrity and a commitment to ethical practice are non-negotiable in achieving sustained success.
IAWL: What are the major challenges for a woman leader in the Kenyan legal domain?
FAITH: The major challenges for a woman leader in the Kenyan legal domain include gender bias, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and limited representation in key decision-making positions. Gender bias often manifests in subtle but pervasive ways, from being underestimated to facing undue scrutiny. Furthermore, the societal expectations on women to balance career and family life can be particularly challenging in a demanding profession like law. Lastly, the underrepresentation of women in senior legal positions, such as in the judiciary or within law firms, means that female leaders often lack sufficient role models and allies in the highest echelons of the profession. Overcoming these challenges requires personal resolve and a concerted effort toward systemic changes to promote gender equality. This underscores the complexity of the issue and the necessity for collective action.
We invite guest bloggers who are interested in showcasing the impactful achievements of women in law across Africa and the African Diaspora. To contribute to the series, email us at info@africanwomeninlaw.com (subject line—(subject line- Guest blogger inquiry).