Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo has resigned from the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, where she was serving as the vice chairperson.
In a statement, Odhiambo noted that her decision comes at a critical juncture when Kenya is seeking constitutional implementation and lasting peace in its democratic context.
Citing the court’s decision to suspend the committee’s operations, she noted that the ruling had stalled the Panel’s time-bound mandate.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo Withdraws from Protest Compensation Panel. Photo: Courtesy.
She added that the Panel’s proposed 120-day tenure is likely to expire before the legal issues are resolved.
The LSK President emphasized that this consequential moment for the country calls for all rule of law institutions, especially the Law Society of Kenya, to remain unified and resolute in discharging the mandate bestowed upon them by law.
Odhiambo voiced frustration over the Panel’s inability to operate effectively following the court’s intervention.
She noted that as the Panel’s tenure continues to lapse, victims have grown increasingly distressed, repeatedly seeking answers on when their pleas for an audience will be heard.
Despite her resignation from the Panel, Odhiambo reaffirmed her strong commitment to championing victims’ rights.
She emphasized that major gaps still exist within Kenya’s victim reparations framework. Odhiambo urged justice sector stakeholders and human rights bodies to develop legislative proposals to address the legal and institutional shortcomings hindering victims’ access to justice.
She noted that the country must rethink its approach to cases of police brutality.
According to her, reforms should promote a faster, victim-centered system that focuses on rehabilitation and restoring victims’ dignity and purpose.
