Ruto Appoints Faith Odhiambo to New Govt Role

President William Ruto has appointed the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo to a new government role.

In a gazette notice dated April 8, 2025, Ruto named Odhiambo as among eight individuals picked to form the Selection Panel tasked with recruiting nominees for the position of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The appointment comes following the passing of former KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odhiambo Odede, who died in January this year.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 11 (1) of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, and the procedure set out in section 11 (2) of the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint (8 appointees) to be members of the Selection Panel for the Recruitment of Nominees for Appointment as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights,” read the notice in part.

Faith Odhiambo among members appointed 

Other members appointed alongside Faith Odhiambo to the Selection Panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as the KNCHR Chairperson are Joe Ager, Lawrence Muiruri, Jackline Nekesa Makokha, and Dr. Irene Cherotich Asienga.

Kathurima Hiram Kirimi, Catherine Wameyo, and Prof. Kenneth Wyne Mutuma have also been appointed to the panel.

Also Read: Edith Kimani, Faith Odhiambo Among 12 Kenyans Named in 100 Most Influential African Women List

President Ruto’s appointment of Faith Odhiambo among members of the Selection Panel tasked with recruiting nominees set to replace Odede at the helm of KNHCR comes months after he appointed the LSK President to a taskforce on Gender Based Violence.

The passing of former Chairperson Roseline Odhiambo Odede, following a short illness, was announced by KNCHR earlier in the year.

In a statement issued by Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris on January 4, the commission expressed its deep sense of loss, describing Odede’s passing as a significant blow to both the human rights agency and the nation at large.

“It is with shock and deep sorrow that I inform you of the demise of Roseline Odhiambo Odede, HSC, Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, that happened yesterday, Friday 3rd January 2025, after a short illness,” read part of the statement.

Ruto mourns Odede

The commission went ahead to extend its heartfelt condolences to Odede’s family and friends, acknowledging the significant void her passing created.

Also Read: KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede is dead

President Ruto was among leaders who mourned the former KNCHR chairperson.

In his statement of condolence, the Head of State said he was deeply saddened by Odede’s death, adding that she was a formidable human rights champion and a distinguished campaigner for a more equal and fairer society.

“Our thoughts and love are with the family at this sorrowful moment. Rest In Peace, Roseline,” Ruto said on his official X account.

Odede was buried on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in Ruma village, Siaya County.

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