The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has urged the Court of Appeal to dismiss an application seeking to lift High Court orders that suspended the operations of President William Ruto’s Victims’ Compensation Panel.
The application was filed by President Ruto’s Senior Advisor, Makau Mutua, and LSK President, Faith Odhiambo.
In its response — filed less than a day after Odhiambo resigned from the panel following weeks of public pressure — the LSK argued that the appeal was premature and lacked a proper legal basis, noting that the issues raised were still pending before the High Court.
Law Society Urges Court to Uphold Suspension of Ruto’s Compensation Panel. Photo: Courtesy.
According to court filings, the LSK further contended that the Court of Appeal should not be drawn into a matter that remains unresolved at the lower court.
Court filings show that Faith Odhiambo and Makau Mutua faulted the High Court for issuing the September 8, 2025 orders that halted operations of President William Ruto’s Victims’ Compensation Panel.
They claimed the case was already at judgment stage, accused the petitioner of concealing key information, and alleged that one of the presiding judges was related to a petitioner in a connected matter.
However, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) dismissed the claims, arguing they should have been raised before the High Court and insisting no judgment had been made to warrant an appeal.
The ruling will determine whether Ruto’s panel can resume operations amid growing legal and political scrutiny.
The hearing was adjourned after Justice Sankale Ole Kantai withdrew from the case over a conflict of interest, while the High Court in Kerugoya extended orders barring the panel’s operations until October 21.
The 14-member panel was established to oversee compensation for victims of demonstrations and public protests nationwide.
