Faith Odhiambo Resigns from Ruto’s Protest Victim Compensation Panel
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has officially announced her Faith Odhiambo resignation from protest victim compensation panel, citing the need to safeguard LSK’s independence and unity.
Resignation to Safeguard LSK’s Independence
In a statement issued on Monday, Odhiambo said she had submitted her “formal and immediate resignation” to the Head of Public Service. She explained that the need to protect the independence and unity of the LSK amid ongoing legal and constitutional challenges drove her decision.
The panel, established through a Kenya Gazette notice on August 25, was created to recommend compensation for victims of police brutality during the 2023 and 2024 anti-government protests, where over 120 people lost their lives and hundreds were injured.
Court Suspension and Stalled Progress
Odhiambo noted that a recent court order had suspended the panel’s operations, preventing it from carrying out its 120-day mandate. She said the suspension made it impossible to fulfil the panel’s responsibilities within the set time frame.
“As things stand, the time-bound mandate of the panel has been stopped by our courts, and the proposed tenure is likely to lapse before the matter is resolved,” she said.
The LSK boss revealed that victims have been reaching out in frustration, seeking updates on when their cases would be heard.
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Renewed Focus on Legal Advocacy
Following her resignation, Odhiambo said she will now channel her efforts through the Law Society of Kenya, which is representing families affected by police brutality.
“Our team of advocates is already in court in Kisumu for one of the cases involving victims of police excesses,” she noted. “We will seek the Judiciary’s intervention to expedite these matters to a conclusion.”
She added that the LSK will continue advocating for justice by memorializing victims, identifying unreported cases, and petitioning Parliament to strengthen laws protecting protesters and victims of police violence.
“We must treat reparations for victims with the same seriousness with which we treat repercussions for perpetrators,” she emphasized.
Controversy and Public Criticism
Odhiambo faced criticism from some quarters for accepting President William Ruto’s appointment to the panel, with sections of the public viewing it as a conflict of interest. Critics argued that her position undermined her earlier stance against police brutality.
During her swearing-in on September 4, Odhiambo defended her decision, stating that a commitment to improve Kenya’s justice system motivated her participation. “Access to criminal justice remains critical to me in our quest to promote and protect the rule of law,” she said.
Push for Accountability and Justice
Despite her resignation, Odhiambo reaffirmed her dedication to ensuring justice for victims of police excesses. Legal experts say her exit may intensify pressure on the government to establish independent frameworks for victim compensation and police accountability.
The Law Society has since announced plans to hold nationwide forums on human rights protection, emphasizing that justice for protest victims remains central to Kenya’s democratic progress.
