Patmoz
By Njeri Irungu
Diani, Kwale County
Prominent constitutional lawyer Evans Otieno has called on young advocates to resist societal pressure to live lavish lifestyles and instead ground their careers in integrity, resilience, and service to the rule of law.
Speaking at the annual Law Society of Kenya (LSK) conference in Diani, Kwale County, Otieno welcomed the inclusion of a men-only mentorship session, which he said offers a rare space for young male lawyers to connect with senior practitioners, share experiences, and openly address the mental health pressures that come with the profession.
“Legal practice has its own high pressures and challenges. For young lawyers, there’s too much pressure to keep up with the Joneses,” he said. “This kind of experience sharing with older colleagues helps you navigate and stay grounded.”
Otieno warned that unrealistic public expectations about lawyers’ wealth and status often push new advocates towards unethical decisions, including misusing clients’ trust funds.
“No advocate should succumb to social pressure to portray a particular image or live a certain lifestyle before they are professionally grounded,” he said. “Our duty as advocates is the rule of law, not to respond to social pressure on finance or status.”
The lawyer, known for his strong stance on constitutional fidelity, also addressed the ongoing debate over the timing of Kenya’s next General Election. Citing Article 106 and Article 259(5)(c) of the Constitution, Otieno argued that the fifth year of the current term runs from 9 August 2026 to 8 August 2027.
“In that fifth year, the second Tuesday in August falls in 2026 – it cannot fall in 2027,” he said, adding that the matter is now before the courts for guidance. “We have a duty to live by our Constitution, however inconvenient it is to us.”
Otieno emphasised that both in politics and in the legal profession, adherence to the law must remain the guiding principle.
“The ultimate objective,” he said, “is to have better lawyers – relaxed, focused, and committed to justice – not those silently suffering under the weight of unrealistic expectations.”
Shadrack Nyakoe
