The National Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, hosted a delegation from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) led by its President, Faith Odhiambo, in a significant meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions.
The LSK team, which also included CEO Florence Muturi, Tom Kopere (General Member representing members above 25 years), and other Council members, visited the Speaker’s office in Parliament Buildings to discuss avenues for improving the quality of legislation in Kenya.
Hon. Wetang’ula commended LSK for its proactive approach in proposing to work closely with Parliament. “LSK has a pivotal role in ensuring that the National Assembly enacts laws that positively impact Kenyans and our nation as a whole. I am pleased to welcome their proposal for cooperation,” said the Speaker.
Emphasizing the importance of a collaborative rather than an adversarial relationship between LSK and Parliament, the Speaker advised the society to maintain a neutral position to provide objective and impartial advice on legislative matters.
Recognizing the crucial role played by LSK in advancing Public Interest Litigation, Hon. Wetang’ula urged the society to uphold the presumption of Constitutionality for all legislation passed by Parliament.
He stressed the need for fair and balanced application of the law to prevent any hindrances to legislative efforts aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans.
The Speaker also addressed the issue of delayed justice, encouraging LSK to advocate for legal aid services to assist Kenyans who cannot afford legal representation.
In response to the discussions, LSK committed to initiating a comprehensive review of the Criminal justice system. The aim of this review is to identify and reform existing colonial-era laws that are hindering the course of justice in Kenya.
The meeting was also attended by Hon. George Murugara, Chairman of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Jeremiah Ndombi, Deputy Clerk, Vane Akama, Director of Legal Services, and other parliamentary officials.
The dialogue between the National Assembly and the Law Society of Kenya marks a promising step towards fostering a more collaborative and constructive relationship to enhance the legislative process and promote justice in Kenya.
