The Law Society of Kenya -LSK has elected former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) chairman Macharia Njeru its representative to the Judicial Service Commission-JSC.
In elections held Thursday across the country, Njeru garnered 2,738 votes to trounce Professor Tom Ojienda who was defending his seat. Professor Ojienda got 2,545 votes.
Ongoto Mongare managed 123, while Irungu Gathi got six votes.
A total of 10,185 lawyers were eligible to vote. Njeru will now serve as a commissioner to the JSC for five years.
The elections took place in 36 polling stations (law courts) across the country, and were being conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“I accept this win with humility and promise to serve all lawyers with diligence, respect and accountability. I will work with the society to restore the dignity and respect to our profession,” Njeru said on Friday.
Lawyers from across the divide sent congratulatory messages with some saying Njeru’s victory is a ‘win for the nation’.
“Congrats Macharia Njeru. Your win is a win for the Law Society of Kenya and a win for the nation,” Martha Karua said.
Flomboyant advocate Donald Kipkorir added: “When Macharia Njeru came to see me in my office & asked for my support for LSK male representative to JSC, without prevarication, I gave him my support bec I know of his personal integrity. Am proud that the majority of Lawyers quietly shared my position. Proud of his Victory.”
On his part, lawyer Kipchumba Murkomen who is also the Majority Leader and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator said: “Congratulations Macharia Njeru on your election as the LSK male representative to JSC. Congratulations Prof.Tom Ojienda for your 5 years of service. Now let’s focus on the salient task of making our judiciary stronger.We must also find a way of uniting a deeply divided LSK!”