Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has stepped down from the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots.
In statement issued on Monday October 6 Odhiambo said the proposed mandate of the Panel presented an opportunity to overhaul the existing legal and institutional framework on victim reparations, which as it stands has proven inadequate in addressing public concerns over the historic crisis of police overreach and protestor victimization during demonstrations.
“As resilient as the resolve of the Law Society of Kenya has been in upholding the rule of law throughout Kenya’s history, especially in the last two years, my oath of office demands that I do all it takes to preserve such resilience from any and all adversaries and detractors,” she said.
“Accordingly, I have today handed in my formal and immediate resignation from the position of Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests to the Head of Public Service.”
Faith Odhiambo Resigns from Victims Compensation Panel
Odhiambo explained that her resignation comes at a critical moment in Kenya’s pursuit of full constitutional implementation and democratic reform.
She emphasized that all rule of law institutions, particularly the LSK, must remain unified and resolute in carrying out their constitutional mandate.
Odhiambo noted that the Panel’s time-bound mandate had been halted by the courts, and its proposed 120-day tenure was likely to lapse before meaningful resolutions could be achieved.
“While the clock runs down on the Panel’s lifetime, victims continue to reach out to me in total frustration over when their requests for audience with the Panel will be honoured,” she said.
Acknowledging the challenges in meeting the Panel’s tight deadlines, Odhiambo said she would prioritize other avenues to support victims, especially through her leadership at the LSK.
“My commitment to agitate for the rights of victims remains unwavering. I will continue to take up and prosecute matters on behalf of victims of police excesses during demonstrations and work towards safeguarding holistic justice for victims,” she added.
Also Read: Blow to Ruto as Court Rules on Compensation Panel for Protest Victims
Odhiambo Pressured to Resign
This comes after President William Ruto formed a 16-member team, led by his advisor Prof. Makau Mutua, to oversee compensation for victims of protests since 2017, with Faith Odhiambo appointed as the team’s Vice Chairperson.
The appointment sparked widespread debate, with many calling on Odhiambo to consider the implications for her integrity and public trust before assuming the role.
The Atheists in Kenya Society, in a statement on Tuesday, August 26, urged Faith Odhiambo to turn down the appointment.
They noted that as Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, she has consistently, fearlessly, and impartially promoted the rule of law and human rights in Kenya.
The group claimed that accepting the role could harm Odhiambo’s public image.
“Building a solid reputation takes hard work, patience, and time. But it only takes one wrong move to ruin it,” the statement, signed by Atheists president Harrison Mumia, read.
“As someone who inspires millions of Kenyans, we really hope Faith turns down this appointment.”
However, Odhiambo defended her decision to join the panel, dismissing claims that the move amounts to betrayal.
In her speech at the committee’s swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, September 4, Odhiambo said she had not betrayed Kenyans’ trust and assured them that she would not let them down.
The LSK President added that she will keep Kenyans informed of developments and emphasized that at no point will she act to undermine the gains made together as a country.
Also Read: Faith Odhiambo Explains Why She Accepted Ruto’s Job Offer Despite Calls for Rejection
She added that her service on the compensation panel would be solely to the people of Kenya, noting that it is her solemn patriotic duty to ensure her contributions acknowledge the voices of those who have suffered while protecting the victims and their dependents from being silenced.
“As I take up this responsibility, let it be known that I have in no way betrayed your trust. Let it be clear that access to criminal justice remains critical to me in our quest to promote and protect the rule of law as an essential element in the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights and freedoms,” she said.
“Faith Odhiambo will not let you down! The bloodshed by our comrades must not be in vain. No, I will not even take any prisoners in this cause.”
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