Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has stepped down from her role as Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, citing stalled progress and legal constraints that have hindered the panel’s work.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 6, 2025, Odhiambo said her resignation was driven by the panel’s inability to function effectively due to court orders that suspended its operations, despite its 120-day mandate. The panel was established on August 25, 2025, to address compensation claims for victims of police brutality and unlawful state actions during protests.
Odhiambo noted that while the initiative had initially inspired hope for accountability and justice, the prolonged legal delays had made it impossible to achieve meaningful impact within the remaining timeframe. Her resignation took immediate effect and was formally communicated to the Head of Public Service.
She explained that her decision aligns with her duty to safeguard the independence of the LSK and uphold the rule of law, adding that she intends to refocus her efforts on representing victims through established legal frameworks. “The frustrations of victims who continue to seek help despite the stalled panel process pushed me to take this step,” she said.
Odhiambo also called for urgent reforms to strengthen Kenya’s victim reparations framework, describing the current system as weak and slow. Through the LSK, she plans to collaborate with human rights groups and justice sector stakeholders to push for laws that make compensation processes faster and more humane.
Her post-resignation agenda includes four key priorities:
- Identifying and honouring victims of state violence.
- Ensuring expedited court hearings for their cases.
- Tracking incidents to guarantee justice.
- Lobbying Parliament for stronger protections for demonstrators.
Odhiambo concluded her statement with a reaffirmation of her commitment to justice, stating, “May justice remain our shield and defender.”
