LSK President-elect Charles Kanjama says hands tied on abduction cases amid backlash

In a viral TikTok video, Menelik had challenged President William Ruto to a battlefield confrontation before he was arrested days later.

The incident sparked public calls for Senior Counsel Kanjama to intervene, but he maintained that his hands were tied until he is sworn in, instead directing Kenyans to report such cases to relevant State agencies for now.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Kanjama reiterated that Kenyans facing abductions or violations of the rule of law should follow established reporting channels.

"Many Kenyans will face challenges of violations of the rule of law such as abductions, and it is important that Kenyans are educated on the process to follow. First, you report to the police and where you need a substantial level of investigations, then you report to the DCI," he noted. 

"If someone’s life is in danger, then publicise aggressively across the media. If you find a challenge with the first two steps, then engage human rights individuals."

Pressed on whether he could personally intervene, Kanjama maintained that the mandate lies with the current leadership of the society, led by incumbent LSK boss Faith Odhiambo, rather than with him as an individual.

"LSK works effectively when you use the structures that are in the office. What they needed was not my personal assistance but that of LSK. I take up office on March 27 and before that we have another leadership in place," he said.

Kanjama's remarks on Menelik's case triggered a wave of backlash from Kenyans on X, who accused him of deflecting responsibility and failing to demonstrate the leadership expected of the incoming LSK President.

Several users criticised his tone and approach, arguing that advising victims to report to the same institutions allegedly implicated in abductions undermines public confidence.

Others compared his response to that of outgoing LSK President Faith Odhiambo, who has been praised for taking a more proactive stance on rights-related issues during her tenure.

The criticism intensified after activist Mwabili Mwagodi later indicated that the allegedly missing individual had been found safe at home, prompting further online debate on the handling of the matter.

Amid the backlash, Kanjama issued a follow-up statement on X, clarifying that the LSK operates through structured leadership and that he will formally assume responsibility after his swearing-in.

"Indeed the Law Society of Kenya should discharge all its functions, including championing the rule of law. The entire LSK structure is organised to work together in harmony under the leadership of the LSK president," he posted on X. 

He added that the current leadership remains in charge until his official assumption of office on March 27 and should be accorded support and space to execute its mandate.