The President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Faith Odhiambo, has formally resigned from a government panel established by President William Ruto to handle compensation for protest victims.
Her departure follows weeks of intense pressure and accusations that her position as Vice Chairperson compromised the independence of the very legal body she leads.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo had previously earned the title of “protest heroine” due to her fierce and public defence of those oppressed during recent nationwide demonstrations.
She was celebrated for her tireless efforts to secure the release of abducted youths and for standing with the families of those affected by state violence.
This made her subsequent acceptance of the government appointment a point of major controversy, with critics accusing her of betraying the cause she once championed.
Faith Odhiambo revealed that her resignation was a direct result of a legal roadblock that has rendered the panel powerless.
A High Court conservatory order has officially halted all of the panel’s operations.
With the panel’s 120-day mandate rapidly expiring while its work is legally frozen, she concluded that it was impossible to fulfill her duties to the victims who were awaiting justice.
The LSK President highlighted the growing frustration among victims who were left in limbo by the court’s decision.
In her official statement, she explained, “I must therefore prioritise other avenues of responding to the plight of victims through the other positions I hold.”
This signals a strategic shift back to using the LSK’s platform as the primary tool for advocacy.
Faith Odhiambo has since reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights of victims of police brutality.
She confirmed that the LSK will continue its work representing victims in court and will actively push for new legislation to create a more just and effective framework for reparations, ensuring a victim-centered approach remains the priority.
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