Editor's Review

LSK President Nelson Havi has announced that Josephat Mutunga Mutisya will take over from Mercy Kalondu Wambua as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at LSK.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has announced changes at the helm of the embattled lawyers' society.

Havi on July 30, 2021, announced that Josephat Mutunga Mutisya will take over from Mercy Kalondu Wambua as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at LSK.

The LSK president stated that Mutunga will assume the role of CEO and Secretary of the Council.

Havi mentioned that the new CEO will take office effective on March 1, 2022.

He argued that the constitution of the LSK requires that a new CEO be appointed six months prior to the expiry of the contract of the incumbent.

Havi's move comes after the Employment and Labour Court on Thursday, July 29, issued orders blocking the appointment of a new CEO.

Lady Justice Maureen Onyango directed that the status quo remain up to September 24, this year when the court will hear a petition by Wambua, citing the LSK president for contempt.

Other changes initiated at the lawyers' body include: Juliette Akoth Jakalia is the new Director of  Compliance and Ethics/ Deputy Secretary of Council.

Veronicah Achieng Odipo takes over as the Director of Practice and Standards.

The two appointees will, however, assume office with immediate effect.

LSK had invited applicants for the position of CEO on June 29, and had attracted three applicants by the end of the application period on July 14.

The three were Mutua Ngumbau Nzioka, Juliette Akoth Jakaila, and Mutunga.

"After reviewing the here applications for completeness and conformity with the requirements that had been set out in the advertisement, two managed to be shortlisted," the advert read in part.

Mutua Ngumbau Nzioka and Mutunga were interviewed on July 30 at the Gatanga Road LSK headquarters, after which Mutunga was appointed new CEO.