NAIROBI, Kenya – Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has defended her decision to accept an appointment as Vice Chairperson of the panel of experts on compensation for victims of protests and riots, following criticism from a section of Kenyans.
President William Ruto appointed Odhiambo to the panel through a gazette notice dated August 26, 2025, sparking debate over whether her acceptance undermines her role as a defender of justice amid reports of rights violations during recent demonstrations.
During the panel’s swearing-in on Thursday, Odhiambo dismissed claims of betrayal, insisting that her participation was in the best interest of justice.
“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 fundamental human rights and freedoms,” she said.
She assured Kenyans that the panel would work transparently and that victims’ families would not be forgotten.
“The Panel of Experts that I join today bears both the duty and opportunity to spearhead a revolutionary shift in victim reparations. Never again shall Kenyans be killed by trigger-hungry officers for exercising their constitutional rights on the streets,” Odhiambo declared.
Public Skepticism
Her decision, however, has drawn mixed reactions. Many Kenyans expected her to reject the appointment, warning that her acceptance could be seen as legitimising the government’s response to protests, which often turned deadly.
This is not the first time Odhiambo has been linked to a government appointment.
In 2024, she rejected a presidential appointment to join a task force to audit Kenya’s public debt, with the LSK terming the task force unconstitutional since the Auditor-General holds the mandate.
At the time, the LSK resolved that neither its president nor members would take part in the task force.
Commitment to Victims
In her speech, Odhiambo said she empathised with families who lost loved ones during the unrest and pledged to keep Kenyans updated on the progress of the compensation process.
She framed her new role as an extension of her duty to ordinary citizens:
“My solemn duty will be to deliver justice to the victims and to the common mwananchi. The bloodshed of our compatriots will not be in vain.”
The panel is expected to spearhead a compensation framework for victims of police violence and other abuses linked to recent protests.
