Contestants for the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) presidency yesterday tore into each other in Mombasa as they launched their campaigns.
The four candidates, Nelson Havi, Harriette Chiggai, Charles Kanjama and Maria Mbeneka sought the support of the estimated 600 LSK members in the region.
Havi accused the outgoing president of weakening the lawyers' body and termed his opponents as State sympathisers.
Kanjama said LSK needs a vibrant, independent, objective and principled leader adding that some of the candidates had played a part in the weakening the outfit and are not fit for the office.
Kanjama dismissed claims made by Havi that he has links with the outgoing leadership as well as the government.
Havi said he is best-suited to lead LSK, citing a recent incident in which State agents arrested and tried to prosecute a lawyer in Kisumu and a magistrate in Mombasa on trumped up charges.
“I am the only one who championed the opposition against the government’s move to prosecute the two yet it was the work of the LSK,” Havi said, adding that the government’s contempt of court orders has thrived under LSK watch.
Havi further said LSK no longer inspires the confidence of lawyers and the general public because it has dithered when it comes to giving direction on crucial issues, opposing misrule and promoting the rule of law.
Chiggai, the outgoing LSK vice-president dismissed Havi’s claims as propaganda meant to malign her.
“That is malice and propaganda against me and the current LSK president. LSK has so far taken more than 16 public interest litigation cases to court which is fairly good,” she said.
