President Ruto Names Faith Odhiambo as Co-Chair of Expert Panel for Protest Victims' Compensation

Quote

President William Ruto has appointed Faith Odhiambo, a prominent legal expert and the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), as co-chair of a newly established panel of experts tasked with overseeing the compensation process for victims of recent protests in Kenya. The announcement, made on August 27, 2025, underscores the government's commitment to addressing the grievances of those affected by the unrest and ensuring justice and accountability.

The panel, which comprises distinguished professionals from various fields, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the protests, assess the extent of damages and injuries suffered by victims, and recommend appropriate compensation measures. The protests, which erupted across several Kenyan cities, were marked by clashes between demonstrators and security forces, resulting in injuries, loss of life, and significant property damage. The government has faced mounting pressure to provide redress for those impacted, prompting the formation of this expert body.

Faith Odhiambo brings a wealth of experience to the role, known for her steadfast advocacy for human rights and legal reforms. As LSK President, she has been a vocal champion for justice, often calling for transparency and accountability in governance. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to instill public confidence in the panel's work, given her reputation for impartiality and dedication to the rule of law.

In her new role, Odhiambo will work alongside her co-chair and other panel members to engage with affected communities, gather testimonies, and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure a fair and transparent compensation process. The panel is expected to deliver its recommendations within a stipulated timeframe, with the government pledging to act swiftly on the findings to provide relief to victims.

President Ruto emphasized that the panel's formation reflects the government's commitment to upholding the rights of all Kenyans and fostering national healing. He urged the public to cooperate with the panel, assuring citizens that their concerns would be addressed with utmost sincerity. The appointment of Odhiambo and the establishment of the panel mark a significant step toward addressing the fallout from the protests and rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens.

The panel's work will also include reviewing the root causes of the protests to propose long-term solutions aimed at preventing future unrest. Stakeholders, including civil society organizations and community leaders, have welcomed the initiative but stressed the need for an inclusive and expedited process to ensure justice for all affected individuals.

As the panel begins its work, all eyes will be on Faith Odhiambo and her team to deliver a comprehensive and equitable resolution for the victims, setting a precedent for accountability and compassion in Kenya's governance.