Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has resigned as vice chair of the government-appointed Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, amid growing public and institutional pressure.
In a statement released Monday, Odhiambo confirmed she had submitted her “formal and immediate resignation” to the Head of Public Service, citing the need to uphold the independence and unity of the LSK at a time of “ongoing legal and constitutional challenges.”
The panel, formed via a Kenya Gazette notice dated 25 August, was tasked with recommending reparations for victims of police violence during recent youth-led anti-government protests, which left more than 120 people dead and hundreds injured.
Odhiambo said she had initially joined the panel in hopes of pushing for systemic reform. “I accepted the appointment because it presented an opportunity to build an institutional and legal framework for reparations, which I believe remains inadequate in addressing historic crises of police overreach.”
However, a court order issued last month suspended the panel’s operations, effectively stalling its 120-day mandate. “As things stand, the time-bound mandate of the panel has been stopped by our courts, and the proposed tenure is likely to lapse before the matter is resolved,” she explained.
She added that “victims continue to reach out to me in total frustration over when their requests for an audience with the panel will be honoured.”
Moving forward, Odhiambo said her focus would return to the courts. “Our team of advocates is already in court in Kisumu for one of the cases involving victims of police excesses.”
“We must treat reparations for victims with the same seriousness with which we treat repercussions for perpetrators. May justice remain our shield and defender.”
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
