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Post Reply: LSK President Faith Odhiambo Resigns from Victims Compensation Panel Amid Legal Delays

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on October 7, 2025, 6:30 am</div><div id="pl-8177"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-8177-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-8177-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-8177-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has stepped down from her role as Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, citing significant legal and operational challenges that have hindered the panel's ability to deliver justice to victims.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The 18-member panel, established through a gazette notice on August 25, 2025, was tasked with facilitating compensation for victims of protests and demonstrations dating back to 2017. The panel, composed of prominent Kenyans known for their contributions to human rights and the rule of law, aimed to reform the inadequate legal and institutional framework for victim reparations, particularly in addressing issues of police overreach and victimization during protests. Odhiambo was appointed to the panel by President William Ruto on August 26, 2025, a decision that sparked debate among Kenyans, with some questioning her ability to remain impartial amid widespread reports of human rights violations during protests.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In her resignation statement, Odhiambo highlighted that court orders have effectively stalled the panel's work, rendering it unlikely to meet its 120-day mandate before it lapses. She expressed frustration over the inability to address victims' requests for hearings in a timely manner, stating, "While the clock runs down on the panel's lifetime, victims continue to reach out to me in total frustration over when their requests for an audience with the panel will be honoured. Unfortunately, it is not feasible to achieve the time-sensitive milestones I undertook to achieve."</p>
<p dir="ltr">The High Court in Kerugoya, through Justice Kizito Magare, issued conservatory orders on September 5, 2025, suspending the implementation of the compensation framework and Gazette Notice No. 12002, which established the panel. The court also restrained the enforcement of President Ruto's directive from August 6, 2025, regarding victim compensation, pending a full hearing of the case. These legal hurdles have significantly delayed the panel's operations, prompting Odhiambo to prioritize other avenues for advocating for victims through her leadership at the LSK.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Odhiambo reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to justice, emphasizing that her resignation does not diminish her dedication to defending victims of police excesses. "I will continue to take up and prosecute matters on behalf of victims of police excesses during demonstrations, and work towards safeguarding holistic justice for victims," she said. She noted that a team of LSK advocates in Kisumu is currently handling court cases related to the 2023 demonstrations against the high cost of living, underscoring her ongoing efforts to seek justice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The LSK President also called for comprehensive reforms to Kenya's victim reparations framework, pledging to collaborate with justice sector stakeholders and human rights institutions to propose legislative changes. "Our proposals will be focused on ensuring that we transform Kenya's approach in dealing with victims of police excesses and state overreach, from the current protracted process of apportioning criminal liability to an efficient and victim-centred approach of rehabilitating victims and restoring them to a life of dignity and purpose," she said. She stressed the need to treat victim reparations with the same urgency as consequences for perpetrators.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To further support victims, Odhiambo announced several LSK initiatives, including memorializing victims, publishing their identities to honor their sacrifices, identifying unreported victims, and tracking reported cases to ensure appropriate interventions. Additionally, the LSK plans to submit proposals to the Chief Justice for practice directions to expedite court hearings related to victims and to petition Parliament to review laws governing demonstrations, strengthen protester protections, and ensure reparations for cases of police excesses.</p>
<p dir="ltr">During the panel's swearing-in ceremony, Odhiambo had defended her decision to join, addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest. "As I take up this responsibility, let it be known that I have in no way betrayed your trust. Let it be clear that access to criminal justice remains critical to me in our quest to promote and protect the rule of law as an essential element in the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights and freedoms," she said. She had assured Kenyans that the victims' sacrifices would not be in vain and expressed optimism about achieving positive outcomes through the panel's work.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, with the panel's operations stalled, Odhiambo emphasized her duty to uphold the LSK's legacy of resilience in defending the rule of law. "As resilient as the resolve of the Law Society of Kenya has been in upholding the rule of law throughout Kenya's history, especially in the last two years, my oath of office demands that I do all it takes to preserve such resilience from any and all adversaries and detractors," she said.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Odhiambo's resignation marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle to address the plight of protest victims in Kenya. Her leadership at the LSK will continue to play a pivotal role in advocating for systemic reforms and ensuring justice for those affected by state overreach during demonstrations.</p>
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