Fighting Sexual Harassment Within The Legal Profession

Advocates and colleagues march along Gatanga Road to protest sexual harassment within the legal profession and demand accountability.

 By Maximilla Wafula

Nairobi, February 13th 2026- In a moving and powerful address, advocates, colleagues, and members of the public gathered to challenge the long-standing issue of sexual harassment within the legal profession. The speech highlighted the urgent need to break the silence surrounding this misconduct and push for accountability and action.

The speaker, representing a collective voice of the legal community, passionately asserted that silence has only protected the powerful while perpetuating harm. Sexual harassment, often disguised as mentorship or “how things are done,” has been normalized in many legal spaces, making it a hidden and pervasive issue. For far too long, victims especially young women have been forced to choose between their dignity and their careers, often enduring exploitation to survive in an environment meant to uphold justice.

“The legal profession is built on justice, dignity, and the rule of law,” the speaker remarked. “Yet for too long, many advocates have been forced to choose between their careers and their dignity.” The message was clear this culture must end, and the profession must do more to protect its members, ensuring that power is not abused and victims are not silenced.

The speech took a bold stance, declaring that sexual harassment is not just a personal matter it is a violation of human dignity and a betrayal of the justice system. The Law Society of Kenya, which was supposed to protect its members, has failed to act decisively, choosing silence and avoidance instead of confronting sexual harassment. This failure has compounded the suffering of victims who feel unsupported by the very institution designed to protect them.

Advocates were urged to push for a safe, independent, and fearless reporting mechanism one that ensures justice without the threat of retaliation. Survivors of harassment were assured that their voices matter, with the message, “Your silence was not weakness, it was survival. But today, our collective voice is louder than fear.”

The speech concluded with a powerful statement from Wandera F. Ong'ayo, calling for an end to the culture of silence. "We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated. We will not stop until the legal profession is safe for all."

The call for systemic change within the legal profession is growing stronger. The hope is that this movement will spark a new era of accountability and respect, ensuring that the legal community lives up to its own values of justice and integrity.