Faith Odhiambo clarifies her role in Ruto’s protest victims panel amid court order
By Nancy Marende, September 11, 2025Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has moved to clarify her position regarding her involvement in the government-appointed Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Odhiambo emphasised that she has not taken part in any substantive work of the panel since its swearing-in.
“It is my solemn patriotic duty and obligation to respect, uphold, and defend the Constitution of Kenya. Let it be clear that apart from the swearing-in, I have not participated in any meetings or engagements with or for the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots,” she said.
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Furthermore, Odhiambo said she would fully respect the judicial process and refrain from further involvement until the courts give direction.
“I respect the rule of law and abide by the orders given by the High Court. I would like to emphasise that I do not work for the government of Kenya nor the opposition; my call is to serve the people of Kenya and my learned colleagues at the Law Society of Kenya,” she said.
At the same time, the LSK boss urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to review what she termed as trumped-up terrorism charges against peaceful protesters and instead prosecute police officers who were caught on camera using excessive force.
“The Law Society of Kenya will continue to offer pro bono services for victims and survivors of police brutality in the various ongoing cases across the country,” she affirmed.
The court order
This comes a few days after the High Court in Kerugoya issued a conservatory order temporarily halting the implementation of President William Ruto’s directive establishing a framework for compensating victims of demonstrations and public protests.
Justice Kizito Magare certified the application dated September 5, 2025, as urgent and directed that it be heard inter partes.
“Pending the hearing, the court stayed the commencement of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests and suspended the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, which had appointed the panel to establish a reparations framework,” reads the order.
Further, the court restrained the respondents, their servants, agents, or assigns from enforcing or acting upon the presidential proclamation of August 6, 2025, on compensation for victims of demonstrations and riots until the application is heard.
Justice Magare also ordered that the respondents and interested parties be served immediately and file their responses within seven days of service.
The applicant will then have three days to file submissions, but not later than September 24, 2025.
Respondents and interested parties are required to file submissions within three days thereafter, and in any case, not later than September 30, 2025.
The matter will be mentioned for directions on October 6, 2025, before the High Court in Kerugoya.