LSK President Reconsiders Role in Compensation Panel Amid Court Suspension and Growing Criticism
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has sparked fresh debate after hinting that she might step back from her appointment as vice chair of President William Ruto’s protest victims compensation committee.
Despite being sworn into the role, Odhiambo clarified that she has not attended any meetings with other panel members, stressing that her loyalty lies with Kenyans and the legal fraternity, not the government.
In a firm statement issued on Thursday morning, she declared that she would fully respect the High Court orders that temporarily suspended the operations of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots, pending a constitutional petition.
“I respect the rule of law and abide by the orders given by the High Court. I want to emphasise that I do not work for the Government of Kenya or the opposition. My duty is to serve the people of Kenya and my colleagues at the Law Society of Kenya,” Odhiambo affirmed.
She explained that she is still consulting widely on whether to remain in the committee while continuing to champion the rights of victims of protests—both those who were killed or injured and those who are facing criminal charges for exercising their right to demonstrate.
“I am listening keenly to the voices of victims and those still struggling for justice. Many Kenyans have been killed, others injured, and some profiled and taken to court on trumped-up charges,” she added.
Odhiambo further pledged that the LSK will keep pushing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to withdraw questionable terrorism charges imposed on dozens of protesters and instead direct its efforts towards prosecuting police officers accused of using excessive force, including those who fired live bullets at demonstrators.
She also reassured the public that the LSK will continue providing pro bono legal services to survivors and families of victims of police brutality in ongoing court cases across the country.
Mounting Criticism and Calls for Resignation
Since her appointment last month, Odhiambo has faced mounting pressure from sections of the legal community and Kenyans at large.
Critics argue that by accepting a government-backed role, she risks compromising her independence as LSK President.
The calls for her resignation escalated when Advocate Levi Munyeri filed a petition seeking her immediate step-down, threatening to initiate her removal if she fails to resign voluntarily.
Former LSK President Nelson Havi also joined the campaign, openly endorsing Charles Kanjama as a possible successor.
Havi even pledged Ksh1 million and a campaign vehicle to support Kanjama’s bid, calling on “serious practitioners of law” to rally behind him.
Amnesty International Also Distances Itself
Interestingly, Odhiambo is not the only appointee distancing herself from the panel. Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, who also sits on the committee, confirmed that he has not participated in any activities beyond the swearing-in ceremony.
“Apart from the swearing in, I have not engaged in any meetings or activities with the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims in Protests and Demonstrations. I shall not do so until the High Court gives a way forward,” Houghton clarified.
He reiterated Amnesty’s position, vowing to continue pushing for accountability for unlawful killings, reparations for victims, and an end to the cycle of police brutality during protests.
With pressure mounting from lawyers, civil society, and the public, Faith Odhiambo’s final decision could reshape not just the fate of the controversial victims’ compensation committee but also the future leadership dynamics within the Law Society of Kenya itself.
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