NAIROBI, Kenya – At least 54 Advocates of the High Court of Kenya have a reason to smile after President William Ruto conferred them with the rank of Senior Counsel as recommended by the Committee on Senior Counsel.
A Senior Counsel (SC) is a highly experienced and distinguished lawyer, recognised for exceptional skill, integrity, and significant contributions to law, equivalent to Queen’s Counsel (QC) or King’s Counsel (KC) in other systems, representing the pinnacle of legal practice, often handling complex cases and mentoring junior lawyers.
The title is bestowed by the head of state or a legal body, granting prestige and privileges like precedence in court, with “SC” indicating this elite status, often associated with wearing silk gowns in court.
The 54 were conferred the rank of Senior Counsel through a Gazette Notice No. 18138 dated December 10, 2025.
“KNOW YE THAT in recognition of the exemplary service rendered to the nation in the legal profession, and in honour of their esteemed contribution to law and development, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Forces, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 17 (1) of the Advocates Act, have conferred the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel on the following Advocates of the High Court of Kenya as stated,” the Gazette Notice signed by President Ruto reads in part.
They include National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and city lawyer Nelson Havi.
Others are former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Ahmed Isaac Hassan, Gor Mahia chairperson Ambrose Otieno Rachier and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Eric Theuri Njeru.
Others on the president’s list include Rapinder Singh Semi, Paul Ndiritu Ndungu, Clement Muturi Kigano, Eliud Ng’ang’a Njoroge, Evans Thiga Gaturu, Richard Omwela, Alexandra Kontos, Nancy Wakarima Karigithu, Moses Kipng’etich Kurgat, Rubeena Dar, Lumatete Walubengo Muchai, Njoroge Regeru.
Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, Anastasia Kioko Mululu, James Ochieng’ Oduol, Jane Njeri Onyango, Christine Anyango Agimba, Hillary Chacha Odera, Njeri Caroline Ndegwa Kariuki, Mercy Wangari Buku, Isaac Edwin Nicholas Okero, Kariuki Muigua, and Hosea Kimutai Kili.
Who are the other Advocates of the High Court of Kenya on the list
The list also has Kennedy Ogeto, Praxedes Chepkoech Tororey, James Mburu Kamau, William Ikutha Maema, Patrick Lutta Odongo, Ruth Anyango Aura, Mercy Mwarah Deche, Hassan Nunow Lakicha, Koki Muli Grignon, James Aggrey Mwamu, Adil Arshed Khawaja, Paul Lilan.
Henry Ongicho Asugah, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Jedidah Wakonyo Waruhiu, Mohammed Salim Balala, Rose Waithera Njoroge-Mbanya, Nazima Malik, Michi Kanyiri Kirimi, Noordin Mohamed Haji, Richard Harney, Ahmed Sheikh Adan, Elisha Zebedee Ongoya, Muthoni Thiankolu, and Immaculate Muringo Kassait.
Through the Gazette Notice, the head of state further said, “NO HENCEFORTH, May it be known by all persons, authorities and institutions that the aforementioned Advocates shall have all the precedence and privileges of the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel.”
“IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused this Investiture Order to be issued under the HAND OF THE PRESIDENT and PUBLIC SEAL OF THE REPUBLIC, on the Tenth Day of December in the YEAR OF THE LORD TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY FIVE.”
Discussion about this post