Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has resigned from her position as Vice Chairperson of the Protest Victims Compensation Panel established by President William Ruto, citing frustrations caused by legal hurdles and the panel’s inability to fulfill its mandate.
The panel was formed in August 2025 through a presidential directive and later gazetted with the responsibility of identifying, verifying, and compensating victims of police brutality and violence experienced during anti-government protests. It was also tasked with recommending measures to ensure justice, accountability, and reform within law enforcement agencies.
However, in early September, the High Court in Kerugoya issued conservatory orders temporarily suspending the panel’s operations following a petition challenging its legality. The petitioners argued that the formation of the panel was unconstitutional and duplicated existing legal mechanisms meant to address human rights violations.
Odhiambo, in her resignation letter to the Head of Public Service, expressed concern that the suspension had rendered the panel ineffective.
She explained that the team’s 120-day mandate was quickly running out, and the court order had made it impossible to carry out the tasks assigned by the government. According to her, the situation left many victims of protests without hope, as the body meant to process their compensation had been grounded by legal uncertainty.
She further noted that her continued service in the panel risked undermining the credibility and independence of the Law Society of Kenya, which she leads. “I remain committed to advocating for victims through legitimate judicial and constitutional processes,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to uphold the rule of law and institutional integrity.
Odhiambo’s resignation has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters praised her decision as a show of principle and professionalism, while critics argued that her exit could slow down government efforts to provide justice and compensation to victims of police excesses.
The resignation also highlights the growing tension between the executive and the judiciary over accountability mechanisms in Kenya. While the government has defended the panel as a humanitarian initiative meant to promote reconciliation, rights groups have insisted that any compensation framework must operate within constitutional limits and with full judicial oversight.
With the panel’s work now suspended and its leadership shaken, the future of the compensation process remains uncertain. Victims and their families continue to wait for justice and reparations, as the legal and political wrangles surrounding the panel persist.
Faith Odhiambo’s exit, therefore, not only exposes the challenges facing state-led justice initiatives but also underscores the importance of institutional independence and adherence to the rule of law in addressing the aftermath of national crises. Her decision serves as a reminder that accountability and justice cannot thrive in structures constrained by legal ambiguity and political interference.
