Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has defended herself against criticism from Kenyans following her appointment to the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, Odhiambo said she does not work for the government or the opposition, but for the public and her colleagues in the legal fraternity.
“I would like to emphasize that 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,” read the statement in part.
The LSK President noted that she has not participated in any of the panel’s meetings and that she respects the court orders blocking the implementation of the government’s compensation framework for victims of demonstrations and public protests.
“Let it be clear that apart from the swearing in, I have not participated in any meetings or engagements with or for the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots. I respect the rule of law and abide by the orders given by the High Court,” she said.
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Odhiambo also said she is consulting widely with victims of police brutality and would continue to champion their rights.
“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.
“I know there are many Kenyans who were killed and injured, while others have been profiled and taken to court over trumped-up charges,” the LSK President stated.
Further, she asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to review terrorism charges against peaceful protesters and instead prosecute police officers accused of using excessive force.
President William Ruto, in a gazette notice on August 26, 2025, appointed Odhiambo to the 18-member panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations.
The LSK President’s appointment to the panel sparked debate among netizens, with some arguing that she might betray the cause of justice in light of human rights violations witnessed during the protests.
On September 5, Lawyer Levi Munyeri demanded Odhimabo’s resignation from LSK, accusing her of violating the Constitution and the Law Society of Kenya Act by taking up the appointment.
He argued that her participation in the panel compromises the independence and statutory functions of the LSK.
"Among them is the duty to uphold the Constitution and advance the Rule of Law and the Administration of Justice. Your acceptance to serve in the Panel of Experts violates the Constitution and Statute in the following ways," the letter read.
On September 8, the high court temporarily suspended the activities of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests pending the hearing of the application filed by Munyeri.
"Pending the hearing, the court stayed the commencement of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests and suspended the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, which had appointed the panel to establish a reparations framework," Justice Kizito Magare directed.
The petition will be mentioned for directions on October 6, 2025, before the High Court in Kerugoya.
