Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic and unexpected turn, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has tendered her resignation today from the Victim Compensation Panel, where she served as Vice Chairperson.
Her exit comes amid mounting pressure, court interventions, and fierce debate over institutional independence.
Conflict Brews in National Compensation Process.
The panel—appointed by President William Ruto and led by constitutional scholar Prof. Makau Mutua—was designed as a 14-member expert body charged with designing and overseeing reparations for victims of protests and public demonstrations.
Odhiambo addressed the media with a tone of urgency: “Earlier today, I tendered my resignation from the position of Vice Chairperson of the Compensation Panel. I will continue to agitate for justice for all victims…” She framed her departure as a response to the “crucial point” Kenya now faces in its drive for constitutional reforms, arguing that institutions like LSK must preserve unity, integrity, and legal credibility.
Judiciary Steps In — Panel’s Mandate in Limbo.
Odhiambo cited High Court rulings that effectively halted the panel’s operations. According to her, the court’s stay order threatens to render the panel’s 120-day mandate moot before meaningful action can occur.
Indeed, on September 8, the High Court suspended the panel’s functioning following a petition led by lawyer Levi Munyeri, who challenged the panel’s legality and the role of LSK in it. In Kerugoya, the court further extended conservatory orders barring the panel from resuming work until at least October 21.
In response to Odhiambo’s resignation, Munyeri stated, “Faith Odhiambo, you have done the right thing. Better late than never. Now, let us turn our focus to the rest of the panel and ensure justice is delivered for our slain and injured patriots.”
What’s Next: LSK’s Role & Public Outcry.
Despite stepping down from the panel, Odhiambo pledged to remain a fierce advocate for victims of police brutality and protests through her leadership of LSK. She said the Society will engage with justice stakeholders to address flaws in Kenya’s reparation framework.
She warned that the gap in Kenya’s victim compensation laws is urgent and must be confronted. But critics argue her initial acceptance of the panel role undermined LSK’s independence.
Her resignation may be seen as a tacit acknowledgment of that criticism—but the damage to public confidence may already be done.
The Stakes: Trust, Rule of Law, and Accountability.
The compensation panel was intended as a national response to demands for justice after protests turned deadly.The court’s intervention underscores the tension between executive-driven initiatives and judicial oversight.
LSK’s central role has now been complicated by trust questions: can it simultaneously serve as a watchdog and a government-appointed agent?As Kenya stands at this constitutional crossroads, the question remains: who will hold power accountable, and who will speak for victims? The next few days promise intense legal battles and political flux.
