LSK president-elect Charles Kanjama under fire over abduction comments
LSK president-elect Charles Kanjama under fire over abduction comments
The president-elect of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Charles Kanjama, has found himself at the centre of a growing online storm following his response to concerns about ongoing abductions and broader rule of law issues.
The debate intensified in the wake of the arrest of content creator Peter Kimani, popularly known as Menelik Kimani, who was detained by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over a viral TikTok video authorities described as threatening.
Although Kimani was later released, his arrest reignited public concerns about alleged abductions and what some have termed a shrinking space for dissent, drawing renewed attention to the role of the LSK in defending civil liberties.
Critics online questioned why the incoming LSK President had not taken a more forceful stance on recent incidents, particularly cases involving alleged abductions.
In response, Kanjama clarified that he does not yet hold executive authority within the society.
“Expectations are valid, and I intend to deliver once I am sworn in. The problem is the expectation that I should act as LSK President even before I take office, which is unsustainable,” he wrote.
The response did not go down well with social media users. One questioned why Kanjama appeared to suggest that affected individuals should wait until he formally assumes office.
Addressing the criticism, Kanjama said his remarks had been mischaracterised and insisted that there is an existing leadership structure in place until the official handover on March 27.
“As a lawyer, you know who is currently in charge at LSK. Others may not know. Tell them how to seek help from the current LSK leadership, the Public Interest Committee and the relevant contacts,” he wrote in reply.
When another user described him as “the most inconsequential LSK chair ever”, Kanjama responded saying that sceptics had turned into cynics and prophets of doom.
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He cautioned against what he termed excessive cynicism, arguing that relentless negativity risked strengthening those accused of violating the rule of law.
“They may not realise that extreme cynicism and prophecies of doom are helping exactly those who oppress and abduct others. I have told them, keep your eyes on the ball,” he stated.
He argued that attempts to discredit him before he assumes office would ultimately harm the institution.
“If the agenda is to campaign against the incoming LSK President, then ask yourself who benefits. Cutting your nose to spite your face is not a winning strategy,” Kanjama said.
The LSK president-elect said the lawyers who elected him have confidence in his leadership and that he would fulfil the society’s mandate with strength once sworn in.
On the issue of abductions, he acknowledged public frustration.
“Kenyans are tired of continuing abductions. We keep raising alarm, which we must continue doing, yet the abductions continue. We want them to stop. That is one of my major agendas not only how to address ongoing abductions, but how to ensure they come to an end,” he said.
However, he maintained that until he formally assumes office, his role remains advisory.
He urged affected individuals to report cases to investigative agencies including the DCI and the National Police Service, notify media houses and engage human rights organisations such as Amnesty Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, alongside the current LSK leadership.
Kanjama also reaffirmed that he would respond to criticism over what some have termed the society’s silence on a passport-related controversy that could affect Kenyans travelling abroad.
He said concerns about responsiveness to members form part of his first 100-day work plan.
“Once I take office, we will secure an effective solution. For now, let us give the current LSK leadership room to operate,” he stated.
The online exchanges have placed the president-elect under unusual scrutiny even before his swearing-in.
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