LSK to set up independent team to probe junior lawyers' sexual harassment allegations

Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on Tuesday night, Odhiambo acknowledged delays and shortcomings in addressing complaints, citing a recent case where a complainant’s grievance, filed months earlier, was not satisfactorily resolved as the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal ruled that they did not have jurisdiction since sexual harassment is a criminal offence. 

Odhiambo acknowledged that although a Sexual Harassment Policy was passed in 2019, gaps in the policy have made it difficult to effectively handle such cases.

"We have the sexual harassment policy passed in 2019 but based on the complaint that we got to learn of this week, the complainant filed her complaint before the disciplinary in either September or October," she stated. 

"The decision came out in December and she also indicated that the decision took time before it was communicated to her. For us, we're realising and seeing the gaps that are there because she's one person who came out and yet the decision was not satisfactory."

She added that an independent investigative team would collate information and seek to carry out justice for the victims involved. 

"We are setting up an investigative team that will collate information, independent from the tribunal or the council. The unfortunate part is the power imbalance that continues to be and the failure of knowledge of the policies that are there and how you can get help. We are hoping that with this committee in place, members will turn up in large numbers and a quick solution be found," she added. 

According to Odhiambo, LSK needs to look at tougher measures to impose on such perpetrators who prey on junior lawyers. 

"Currently, the consequences for sexual misconduct are suspension, a fine and even revocation of license. We also need to look at what other tougher measures can be set. Unless we have stricter sanctions, we will not be able to deal with this once and for all," she said.

Odhiambo's remarks come after a group of young lawyers, including pupil advocates and law students, marched to LSK offices along Gitanga Road on February 13, 2026, to demand urgent action against senior lawyers allegedly involved in sexual misconduct. 

“We reject a profession where power is abused, where complaints are ignored, where victims are interrogated instead of protected and where perpetrators continue to rise while survivors are punished with silence,” said lawyer Faith Wandera. 

Complainant Esther Karanja added: “The manner in which my complaint was handled was irregular. This is not a small issue. This is not something to be neglected.”

LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata confirmed receipt of a few complaints but noted that one case had been ruled outside the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal’s jurisdiction. 

He urged members of the public and lawyers to report misconduct, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the profession.