Young Lawyers Protest at LSK Headquarters Over Sexual Coercion and Inaction on Harassment Complaints

Mostly interns and pupils gathered at Valley Arcade on Friday morning before marching to the Law Society of Kenya headquarters to protest what they described as pervasive sexual coercion by senior colleagues and the society’s failure to act decisively on complaints.

The demonstration, which drew dozens of young lawyers and supporters, highlighted allegations that job and pupillage opportunities are being conditioned on sexual favours. At least 22 young lawyers—most of them women—have publicly shared detailed accounts of harassment, unwanted advances and threats of blacklisting when they refused advances from senior advocates or firm partners.

Protesters carried placards reading “My Pupillage Is Not For Sale,” “#SafeLegalProfession” and “LSK Protect Us, Don’t Protect Predators.” Several speakers addressed the crowd outside the LSK building on Upper Hill, describing how fear of professional retaliation has silenced many victims for years.

One female pupil, who asked to remain anonymous, told the gathering: “I was told point-blank that if I wanted to complete my pupillage and get a good recommendation, I had to ‘play ball’ with a senior partner. When I refused, my hours were cut and I was sidelined. This is not mentorship; it is abuse of power.”

Another intern said she had reported an incident to LSK two years ago but received no meaningful follow-up. “They said they would investigate, but nothing happened,” she said. “The advocate is still practising, still taking pupils, and I’m still traumatised. How many more have to suffer before LSK acts?”

The protest has amplified the #SafeLegalProfession hashtag, which trended on X throughout Friday as more young lawyers shared anonymised stories. Many described similar patterns: senior male advocates exploiting the hierarchical pupillage system, promising or withholding employment references, and using their influence to intimidate complainants.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo addressed the protesters briefly outside the headquarters. “Sexual harassment and coercion are professional misconduct under the Advocates Act,” Odhiambo said. “We take these allegations very seriously. Any member who engages in such behaviour should be reported to the Advocates Complaints Commission, the Disciplinary Tribunal or directly to the police. We will not protect wrongdoers.”

Odhiambo urged victims to come forward formally. “We cannot act on social media posts alone,” she said. “File a formal complaint with evidence so the tribunal can investigate and take appropriate action, including suspension or striking off the roll if guilt is established.”

The issue has become a flashpoint in the ongoing LSK presidential race for the 2026–2028 term. Several candidates used the protest to distance themselves from any accused members and pledge stronger safeguards if elected. Current Vice President Mwaura Kabata, a leading contender, said: “The voices of young lawyers must be heard. If I am elected president, we will fast-track investigations, create confidential reporting channels and ensure no one is victimised for speaking out.”

The demonstration has also highlighted systemic fears within the profession. Young lawyers interviewed said they often avoid reporting due to concerns about blacklisting, damaged references and career sabotage. “The legal field is small,” one protester said. “If you speak up against a senior, word spreads. You can be quietly excluded from opportunities.”

The Advocates Complaints Commission and the LSK Disciplinary Tribunal have confirmed they have received several formal complaints in recent months but declined to comment on active cases. Police in Upper Hill said they are aware of the protest and are open to receiving reports of criminal conduct.

The Kenya Women Judges Association and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) issued statements supporting the protesters and calling for urgent reforms. “Power imbalances in pupillage must be addressed through policy and cultural change,” FIDA said.

As the protest dispersed peacefully in the afternoon, participants vowed to continue pushing for accountability. “This is not the end,” one organiser said. “We will keep speaking until every young lawyer can pursue their career without fear of sexual coercion.”