Africa-Press – Kenya. The Committee on Senior Counsel has recommended 54 lawyers, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, for conferment of the prestigious Senior Counsel title.
In a shortlist released after reviewing 105 applications, the committee named prominent legal scholars, litigators and public service lawyers who met the criteria set under the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011 (Revised 2017).
Those recommended include veteran lawyers Rapinder Singh Sehmi, Paul Ndiritu Ndungu, Clement Muturi Kigano, Ambrose Rachier Otieno, Nelson Havi, Eric Theuri, Elisha Ongoya and Richard Omwela.
Also on the list are Prof PLO Lumumba, Prof Kariuki Muigua, NIS boss Noordin Haji, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Koki Muli Grignon and former Solicitor-General Kennedy Ogeto.
Dr Mercy Mwarah Deche, Praxedes Tororey, Jane Njeri Onyango, Ruth Aura and Nancy Karigithu are among the women practitioners featured.
The list of 54 advocates recommended comprises:
Rapinder Singh Sehmi, Paul Ndiritu Ndungu, Clement Muturi Kigano, Eliud Njoroge, Evans Thiga Gaturu, Ambrose Rachier Otieno, Richard Omwela, Moses Masika Wetangula, Alexandra Kontos, Nancy Karigithu, Moses Kipng’etich Kurgat, Rubeena Dar, Dr Kivutha Kibwana, Lumatete Muchai, Njoroge Regeru, Prof Patrick Lumumba, Anastacia Mululu.
James Ochieng Oduol, Jane Njeri Onyango Njoki, Christine Agimba, Hillary Chacha Odera, Njeri Caroline Kariuki, Mercy Buku, Isaac Okero, Prof. Kariuki Muigua, Dr Hosea Kili, Kennedy Ogeto, Praxedes Tororey, James Mburu Kamau, William Ikutha Maema, Patrick Lutta Odongo, Ruth Aura.
Dr Mercy Deche, Hassan Lakicha, Koki Muli Grignon, James Aggrey Mwamu, Adil Khawaja, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Paul Lilan, Henry Ongicho Asugah, Joseph Katwa Kigen, Jedidah Waruhiu, Mohammed Balala, Rose Njoroge, Nazima Malik, Michi Kirimi Kanyiri and Noordin Mohamed Haji.
Richard Harney, Ahmed Sheikh Adan, Nelson Andayi Havi, Eric Theuri Njeru, Elisha Zebedee Ongoya, Dr Muthomi Thiankolu and Immaculate Muringo Kassait.
The committee, chaired by Senior Counsel Philip Murgor, includes SC representatives Joyce Majiwa and Ahmednasir Abdullahi, Attorney General’s office representative Dorcas Oduor, LSK President Faith Odhiambo and judicial representatives from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.
The recommended names now await formal conferment of the SC rank.
What it takes to become a Senior Counsel
The rank of Senior Counsel (SC) is the highest professional honour in the Kenyan legal profession. It is the equivalent of the English Queen’s/King’s Counsel and is conferred on advocates who have demonstrated outstanding distinction in the practice of law.
The process is governed by the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011 (Revised 2017).
To qualify, an advocate must have been an advocate for at least 15 years.
One must demonstrate deep knowledge and mastery of the law, high professional competence, consistent performance in high-level litigation or legal practice, and recognition and respect within the legal fraternity.
Additionally, an advocate must show high ethical standards, a clean professional record, leadership in the law and contribution to legal reform, scholarship or mentorship.
Applicants who have made notable contributions to constitutional development, public interest litigation, judicial reforms, and academic legal research are given additional weight.
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