President William Ruto has appointed a new vice chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, nearly a month following the resignation of Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo from the role.
In a special gazette notice dated November 3, 2025, the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced that President Ruto appointed the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Claris Awuor Ogangah as Odhiambo’s replacement.
This comes after the LSK President in early October announced her resignation from the panel after weeks of mounting pressure.
“IT IS notified for the general information of the public that, pursuant to Gazette Notice No. 12002 of 2025, His Excellency the President has appointed CLARIS AWUOR OGANGAH-ONYANGO as the Vice-Chairperson of the Panel of Experts with effect from the 4th November, 2025. The appointment of the Vice-Chairperson vide Gazette Notice No. 12002 of 25th August 2025 is revoked,” the notice reads.
Faith Odhiambo resigns from Makau Mutua-led panel
The panel, established through an August 25 Kenya Gazette notice, was tasked with recommending compensation for victims of police brutality and violence during youth-led anti-government protests this year and last year, in which over 120 people were killed and hundreds more injured.
Initially, President Ruto appointed Odhiambo to deputise his constitutional advisor, Proffessor Makau Mutua, in the 15-member panel.
However, the LSK President, in a statement shared on Monday, October 6, said she had tendered her “formal and immediate resignation” to the Head of Public Service, citing the need to safeguard LSK’s independence and unity amid ongoing legal and constitutional challenges.
Also Read: Faith Odhiambo Resigns from Victims Compensation Panel
Public Service Commission and NCIC Chairperson positions declared vacant
At the same time, President Ruto, in a gazette notice dated November 3, 2025, declared a vacancy in the position of the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and further constituted a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as PSC Chairperson.
The persons appointed to the membership of the Panel are Arthur Osiya, Jane Joram, Prof. Nura Mohammed, Sylvester Ngei Kiini, Ruth Wambeti Ruraa, Nancy Oundo Dalla and Elizabeth Chesang.
Also, the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in the same gazette notice declared impending vacancies in the position of Chairperson and seven members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
Also Read: CS Mbadi, Duale, and Wandayi Announce New Appointments to Key Govt Boards
These vacancies arise from the anticipated expiry of the current members’ six-year non-renewable term of office with effect from the November 17, 2025.
The Interior CS in turn constituted a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as NCIC Chairperson and Members of, appointing the following six members.
They include Dr. Reuben Chirchir, Francis Meja, Pauline Mcharo, Alfred Mshimba, Col. (Rtd.) Michael Nzomo Mbithuka and Lady Justice (Rtd) Hannah Okwengu.
In other appointments detailed in the gazette notice, the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, John Mbadi exercised powers under section 6 (2) (e) of the Kenya Revenue Authority Act to appoint Shimala Necheza Leonard as a member of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This appointment is for a period of three years, with effect from November 4, 2025.
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