The Law Society of Kenya has taken note of a recent surge in complaints of alleged sexual harassment within the legal profession, even as a disciplinary complaint filed the same day highlights tensions over how such allegations are aired publicly.
In a statement issued on February 9, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the society had observed complaints involving members of the legal profession, with a significant number of those affected appearing to be associates, interns, and pupils in law firms and organizations.
“From the outset, we voice our unequivocal condemnation of such conduct and assert that the same offends the ethical standards of the legal profession, and amounts to both professional misconduct and criminal conduct on the part of proven perpetrators,” Odhiambo stated.
The statement comes as advocate Felix Keaton filed a formal complaint with the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal against fellow lawyer Faith Ong’ayo Wandera, alleging professional misconduct over an Instagram post he claims falsely accused him of sexual harassment.
According to filed documents, the complaint relates to a February 7 post on an Instagram account with approximately 20,600 followers
“Wueeh na mnasemanga kuna LSK sexual harassment policy. What was your worst law-firm experience? Kuna huyu wakili anaitwa Keaton ule wa maandamano. He will sexually harass any young lady in his vicinity (happened to two ladies I know). And he only employs freshly admitted women…,” the post stated
In his sworn affidavit, Keaton alleges the post made false accusations and used social media in a manner incompatible with the Constitution of Kenya, the Advocates Act, and LSK’s Code of Standards of Professional Practice and Ethical Conduct.
“The allegations made by Ong’ayo Wandera Faith Advocate against are false and the attack on my reputation and dignity is unjustified. The truth of the matter is that I am an ethical Lawyer and I have never engaged in the conduct insinuated,” the affidavit states.
The LSK statement revealed that the Disciplinary Tribunal recently ruled in a November 2025 case involving allegations against one lawyer by 22 colleagues that it did not have jurisdiction as sexual harassment is a criminal offense that should be prosecuted through criminal channels.
LSK described this decision as “regrettable” and said it “exposes a gap in the legal framework for handling of sexual harassment cases.”
The society emphasized that allegations of sexual harassment within the profession must be pursued through its established internal disciplinary processes, including the Advocates Complaints Commission and the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal, while also being reported to police.
“The Law Society of Kenya, through the Gender Committee, remains fully committed to supporting victims who pursue either or both avenues and will render all necessary assistance in facilitating accountability,” the statement said.
LSK acknowledged that implementation of its Sexual Harassment and Anti-Bullying Policy, adopted in 2019, had been staggered for years before being revived under current leadership.
The society announced it will collaborate with the Advocates Benevolent Association to provide free counseling sessions, engage FIDA-Kenya to handle investigations, and seek support from the Witness Protection Agency for vulnerable victims.
The complaint against Ong’ayo will be heard by the Disciplinary Tribunal, chaired by Taib Ali Taib, SC. No hearing date has been set.
