National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Mohamed Haji is among 54 advocates recommended for conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Counsel, marking one of the most expansive nomination rounds in recent years.
The list, released by the Committee on Senior Counsel and chaired by Philip K. Murgor, SC, includes some of Kenya’s most prominent legal, public service, and political figures.
Among them are National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula, legal scholar Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, former Makueni Governor Dr. Kivutha Kibwana, top commercial lawyer Adil Khawaja, former LSK presidents Nelson Havi and Eric Theuri, environmental law expert Prof. Kariuki Muigua, and former IEBC chair Ahmed Issack Hassan.
Haji, listed as No. 47 (P.105/4061/99), appears alongside long-serving practitioners such as Ambrose Rachier Otieno, Richard Omwela, and Clement Muturi Kigano, reflecting a broad mix of experience within the cohort.
In the formal communication signed by Committee Chairperson Philip K. Murgor, SC, the Law Society of Kenya informed the applicants: “We are communicating to you, the decision of the Committee in line with Rule 11(2) of the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011 Rev. 2017.”
The Committee, comprising Senior Counsel representatives Philip Murgor (Chairperson), Joyce Majiwa, and Ahmednassir Abdullahi; Attorney-General’s representative Hon. Dorcas Oduor, SC; LSK President Faith Odhiambo; and judges’ representatives from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court—evaluated the applications before forwarding the final recommendations.
The list spans advocates admitted between the 1960s and late 2000s, underscoring the SC rank’s emphasis on “long-standing distinction, integrity, and contribution to the development of the legal profession.”
Other notable names include Prof. Kariuki Muigua (P.105/1930/89), Dr. Mercy Mwarah Deche (P.105/2519/93), former Solicitor-General Kennedy Ogeto (P.105/2129/91), constitutional expert Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu (P.105/6588/07), and former IEBC commissioner Praxedes Tororey (P.105/2151/91).
Once the list receives final approval, the 54 advocates will join the small circle of Senior Counsel, Kenya’s equivalent of Queen’s Counsel—reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in the profession.
The rank of Senior Counsel (SC) is a prestigious, honorary title conferred upon highly experienced and distinguished legal practitioners in several Commonwealth countries, including Kenya, Ireland, and Singapore.
It is the highest professional honour a lawyer can achieve in these jurisdictions and is generally equivalent to the title of King's Counsel (KC) or Queen's Counsel (QC) used in the United Kingdom and other monarchies
In Kenya, the prestigious rank of Senior Counsel is conferred by the President based on recommendations from a specialised, non-partisan committee that includes key figures such as the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and the President of the Law Society of Kenya.
To qualify, an advocate must have at least 15 years of practice, a clean disciplinary record, and a demonstrable record of contribution to the legal profession through significant cases or scholarly work.
Senior Counsel enjoy several privileges, including precedence in court, the exclusive right to sit within the Bar’s front row, and the entitlement to wear a distinctive silk gown—an honour that gives rise to the phrase “taking silk.” They are also expected to uphold exemplary ethical standards and mentor younger advocates.
The conferment ceremony is expected to be held once all statutory procedures are concluded.
