By KPC Reporter
Faith Odhiambo, Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, has resigned from her role.
Odhiambo, who is also the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President cited deep concerns about the panel’s mandate and its implications for Kenya’s legal and institutional frameworks.
Her resignation, communicated through a statement issued on the official letterhead of Odhiambo & Odhiambo Advocates, reflects a principled stance rooted in her commitment to the Rule of Law, human rights, and the independence of LSK.
The panel, established through a Kenya Gazette notice dated August 25, 2023, was tasked with developing mechanisms for compensating victims of police excesses during public demonstrations.
Odhiambo expressed reservations about the panel’s structure and approach, warning that it risked bypassing existing legal channels and undermining institutional safeguards.
“I am persuaded that the Panel’s mandate, as currently constituted, may inadvertently erode the legal and institutional architecture that already exists to address victim compensation,” she wrote.
Her statement emphasized the need for reforms to be led by the Judiciary and anchored in law, rather than through ad hoc administrative bodies.
When she got the appointment, a cross section of Kenyans urged her to decline it.
Odhiambo however noted that her resignation is not a retreat from the cause of justice for victims, but rather a reaffirmation of her belief in institutional integrity and professional independence.
“My decision is anchored in fidelity to the Rule of Law and the independence of the Law Society of Kenya,” she stated, adding that the Society must remain a neutral and professional voice in matters of justice and accountability.
Her concerns echo a broader initiative led by LSK earlier in May 2023, when the Society outlined a four-point framework to support victims of police brutality during the 2023 demonstrations against the rising cost of living.
In a letter signed by Odhiambo in her capacity as LSK President, the Society committed to memorializing victims, supporting their pursuit of justice, documenting their experiences, and establishing a victim support fund.
“We are committed to engaging the Judiciary to expedite proceedings and ensure justice is not delayed,” the letter read.
It also emphasized collaboration with human rights institutions to promote legislative proposals that would establish clear liability and compensation mechanisms.
Odhiambo’s resignation may mark a turning point in Kenya’s approach to victim reparations.
Her insistence on a consultative, law-driven process highlights the tension between administrative expediency and judicial accountability.