Faith Odhiambo Steps Down from Ruto’s Protest Victim Compensation Panel

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has officially resigned from her position as vice chair of the government’s Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests. Her exit follows weeks of public pressure and internal debate over her involvement in the government-appointed team.

In a statement shared with Citizen Digital on Monday, Odhiambo announced that she had submitted her “formal and immediate resignation” to the Head of Public Service. She explained that the decision was driven by the need to protect LSK’s independence and unity at a time when the panel’s legitimacy is being challenged in court.

Why Did Faith Odhiambo Resign from the Panel?

The panel, formed 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, which left more than 120 people dead and hundreds injured. Odhiambo said she initially accepted the role because it offered an opportunity to reform Kenya’s weak legal system for victim reparations, describing it as “inadequate in addressing historic crises of police overreach.”

However, a court order last month suspended the panel’s work, halting progress on its 120-day mandate. “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. “Victims continue to reach out to me in total frustration over when their requests for an audience with the panel will be honoured.”

What’s Next for the LSK and Victims’ Advocacy?

Odhiambo emphasized that she will now focus her efforts through the Law Society of Kenya, which is representing several families affected by police violence. “Our team of advocates is already in court in Kisumu for one of the cases involving victims of police excesses,” she said. “We will seek the Judiciary’s intervention to expedite these matters to a conclusion.”

She added that the LSK is prioritizing memorializing victims, identifying unreported cases, urging the Chief Justice to fast-track related trials, and pushing Parliament to strengthen laws protecting protesters. “We must treat reparations for victims with the same seriousness with which we treat repercussions for perpetrators. May justice remain our shield and defender,” she stated.

Odhiambo faced intense criticism after accepting President William Ruto’s appointment, with many accusing her of betraying victims she had long defended. Responding to critics during her swearing-in on September 4, she maintained, “I have in no way betrayed your trust. 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 the fundamental human rights and freedoms.”

Her resignation now signals a renewed commitment to independent legal advocacy and the continued pursuit of justice for victims of police abuse.

By Lucky Anyanje