The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has distanced herself from active involvement in a government-formed panel on post-protest compensation, stating her loyalty to the Constitution and the people of Kenya, not partisan interests.
In a statement on September 11, Odhiambo clarified that although she took an oath as part of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots, her participation ended there.
“It is my solemn patriotic duty and obligation to respect, uphold, and defend the Constitution of Kenya,” Odhiambo wrote.
“Let it be clear that apart from the swearing in, I have not participated in any meetings or engagements with or for the Panel.”
Her remarks come amid public scrutiny over her perceived association with President William Ruto’s administration, following her appointment to the controversial panel.
I Do Not Work for the Govt
Several had questioned whether the LSK president’s involvement compromised the independence of the legal body.
Odhiambo rejected the idea that she is aligned with either the government or the opposition.
“I do not work for the Government of Kenya nor the opposition; my call is to serve the people of Kenya and my learned colleagues at the Law Society of Kenya,” she said.
She said she is currently consulting widely on matters of justice and accountability and listening to the voices of victims still in search of redress.
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“To this end, I am consulting widely on this cause while keenly listening to the voices of the victims and those who still suffer in search of justice.” She added.
Faith Odhiambo on Victim Compensation
Odhiambo also reiterated her commitment to justice for victims of police brutality, particularly during recent GenZ-led demonstrations.
She called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to drop what she described as “trumped-up terrorism charges” against peaceful protesters and instead pursue officers who used excessive force during the unrest.
“I know there are many Kenyans who were killed and injured, while others have been profiled and taken to court over trumped-up charges,” she said.
“The Law Society of Kenya will continue to offer pro bono services for victims and survivors of police brutality in the various ongoing cases across the country.”
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Odhiambo’s statement comes at a time of heightened political tension in Kenya, where concerns over police violence and judicial independence have increasingly drawn public attention.
Court Suspend the Panel
The High Court had issued orders suspending the functioning of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests appointed by President Ruto.
In orders issued by Justice Kizito Magare on September 8, the court granted conservatory measures halting the commencement of the panel’s mandate pending the hearing of a petition challenging its legality.
The court specifically suspended the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 dated August 25, 2025, which had officially formalised the appointment of the panel. This followed a petition filed by Lawyer Levi Munyeri.
“It is hereby ordered that a conservatory order to stay the commencement of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests pending the hearing of this Application inter partes,” Justice Magare’s directives read in part.
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