I have never run for any elective post in my life. This was the first one. But my first attempt was to go for straight for the LSK Presidency. It was a tall order by all means but I tried my best. I pushed hard. I went deep into challenges affecting practice and practitioners; this resonated well with some lawyers who pushed my agenda and deeply encouraged me to continue the race.
At some point, I faltered but I picked up the pieces and continued. Generally, I have run a modest campaign largely financed from meagre legal fees. Actually, I didn’t campaign in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Kericho Kerugoya, Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kilifi, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Malindi, Thika, Kiambu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, the entire Rift Valley, Busia and Nakuru- because of lack of resources. I made only one visit in Kitale, Bungoma, Kakamega, Mombasa, Kisii, Kitengela, and Kisumu. In Nairobi, didn’t cover half of the space.
The propaganda that I am a government sponsored really hurt my campaign because throughout the period I have used very limited resources. No single coin from government. Secondly, I have taken major cases against national government to protect devolution. Actually, devolution is strong today because of the litigation I championed. I have tried to mentor many young lawyers but the propaganda was also very strong on this point. I think we have partly lost the elections because of the demographics in the legal profession. I needed more time to convince the young bar that I mean well and that I am actually a wonderful human being.
Broadly, we need to embrace online voting and reform LSK’s electoral system; it is not inclusive. Tribalism is also deeply embedded in LSK politics and affects the voting patterns..
Myself- I have lost on paper to Faith Odhiambo ( who I unreserved congratulate) but I have won at heart. I have achieved my lifetime objective of interacting with colleagues and demonstrated the eternal verities and the spirit of Ubuntu. I have made friends, created networks, and tested my leadership skills in an ‘election exam.’ Allow me to thank all my supporters who believed in the cause. You are special. I will be forever indebted. I will not fall into the trap of complaints, and lamentations that is characteristic of losers of elections. Tomorrow, I will go back to my practice and continue to serve clients. Climate change interfaces key productive sectors of the legal economy and I would like continue research on the subject.
Kind regards
Peter Wanyama, Legal Counsel.
