The Senior Counsel Bar (SCB) has ushered in a fresh leadership team, with Philip Murgor taking the helm as Chairperson, Joyce Majiwa stepping in as Vice-Chairperson, and Charles Kanjama appointed as Secretary.

Endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Senior Counsel, the trio was officially sworn in during the SCB’s annual retreat at Diamond Leisure Lodge in Diani on Wednesday.

Murgor succeeds Dr. Fred Ojiambo, who is retiring after more than a decade at the helm. Ojiambo had taken over from the late Mutula Kilonzo in 2013.

Murgor succeeds Ojiambo, who had held the position since 2013 following Mutula Kilonzo’s death.

During Ojiambo’s tenure, his leadership team originally comprised Zahir Malik, Ken Fraser and Omesh Kapila, all of whom have since passed away or retired.

Following Malik’s and Fraser’s deaths, and Kapila’s retirement, Murgor assumed the dual roles of interim vice chair and organising secretary. The SCB statement praised his performance in these roles, noting his ‘indefatigable zeal and dedication’.

Lucy Muthoni Kambuni held the position of secretary until her retirement, after which Kanjama was appointed to the role.

The SCB was established in 2003 and was first chaired by former Attorney General Amos Wako.

Murgor has over 30 years’ experience working in the legal profession as state counsel, private practitioner and former Director of Public Prosecutions.

In 2021, he was conferred the esteemed rank of Senior Counsel in recognition of his exemplary work and contributions to the legal profession.

Born on July 4, 1961, Murgor is recognised for his expertise in commercial arbitration and litigation, having acted as lead counsel in numerous complex, multi-billion-shilling cases.

He graduated with an Honours Law Degree from the University of Nairobi in 1985.

The following year, he obtained his postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law, having completed his pupillage at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews.

Upon admission as an Advocate in 1986, he declined to seek employment in private law firms in favour of an appointment as a Public Prosecutor in the State Law Office.

He resigned from the public service in 1992 and teamed up with his wife Agnes to manage Murgor & Murgor Advocates.