NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 29 – Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has pushed back against claims that his Christian faith makes him a religious fundamentalist, saying the accusations are exaggerated and unfair as he campaigns for the presidency of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
Speaking on The Legal Insider show on Capital FM on Thursday night while on the campaign trail in Embu, Kanjama said his faith should not be used to portray him as hostile to minority groups, including the LGBTQ community.
“This is not an elephant in the room. It is a small mouse that some people are trying to turn into an elephant,” Kanjama said.
The senior lawyer, who has publicly identified as a Christian and previously chaired the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum, said being open about one’s faith does not amount to extremism or intolerance.
“Recognising your religious identity does not make you a religious fundamentalist. It simply makes you a person of faith,” he said.
Kanjama argued that Kenya’s Constitution itself acknowledges religion, noting that its preamble recognises “the supremacy of Almighty God of all creation.”
“Those who say this makes me a fundamentalist are essentially accusing the Constitution of Kenya itself of being religiously fundamentalist,” he added.
Concerns about Kanjama’s candidacy have been raised in legal and civil society circles, with some critics saying his religious background could make marginalised groups uncomfortable if he becomes LSK president.
Kanjama however said he supports constitutional rights and freedoms and draws a clear line between personal beliefs and professional leadership.
“There must be an objective test,” he said. “Religious extremism is about violating the rights and freedoms of others or engaging in practices that endanger life or health. That is not who I am.”
He cited his experience on a presidential task force on religious organisations and extremism, saying Kenya must protect freedom of belief while safeguarding fundamental rights.
– Addressing LGBTQ fears in the LSK presidency race –
On the matter of LGBTQ rights, Kanjama said his views reflect what he described as the “super-majority” position of Kenyans, rather than personal hostility.
He recalled the national debate during the 2010 constitutional referendum, where leaders assured voters that the Constitution would not be used to introduce same-sex marriage.
“More than 94 per cent of Kenyans were opposed to introducing gayism in Kenya,” he said, citing an Ipsos poll conducted at the time.
“That does not make 95 per cent of Kenyans religious fundamentalists. It means they value family.
Kanjama pointed to Article 45 of the Constitution, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, saying leaders must understand and respect the values of the people they serve.
“If I articulate the views of the super-majority of Kenyans and Kenyan lawyers, that does not make me a fundamentalist,” he said. “It means I am in tune with the values of the people.”
Beyond the faith debate, Kanjama said his bid for LSK president is focused on reforming the legal profession, improving integrity, and expanding access to justice.
He warned against turning professional elections into battles over ethnicity, religion, or background.
“Demographic characteristics should not be the main reason people vote,” he said. “Leadership should be about ideas, character, and competence.”
With the LSK presidency expected to play a critical role as Kenya heads toward the 2027 General Election, Kanjama said the society must remain independent, courageous, and rooted in constitutional values.
“The Law Society of Kenya has become the last beacon of hope for many Kenyans,” he said. “We need leadership that understands both the law and the people.”
Kanjama is seeking to succeed Faith Odhiambo in the election scheduled for February 19, 2026.
The presidential race has attracted two other presidential hopefuls namely Peter Wanyama and Mwaura Kabata who is serving as the current Vice President.
