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Media Council condemns attack on Faith Odhiambo for accepting Ruto’s appointment
07th September, 2025 11:55 AM
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned what it termed as unwarranted and unjustified attacks against Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo for accepting her appointment to the Presidential Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots.
In a statement on Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Council expressed concern over sections of the media that have vilified Ms Odhiambo, despite the significance of her role in seeking justice for victims of protests and state brutality.
“The Media Council of Kenya praises the media’s dedication to democracy and truth under tough conditions. During protests, journalists faced brutal attacks, yet no perpetrators were held accountable despite identification,” read the statement in part.
“In trials of police officers accused of killing Kenyans, journalists bravely provided vital evidence under oath. A conviction would reflect their courage. Suggesting the media should have refused to testify is an absurdity that undermines their pursuit of justice,” MCK added.
Also watch: Ruto appoints Faith Odhiambo as vice-chair of compensation panel
The council said it was perplexing and hypocritical for some outlets to criticise Odhiambo for accepting a public service role, noting that the LSK cannot limit itself to constant criticism while declining opportunities to influence governance from within.
“When an institution like the LSK criticises government actions but declines an invitation to help address them, it risks becoming a rebel without a cause. By insisting the LSK President reject the appointment, these outlets are limiting the LSK to pure criticism, ignoring its vital potential to improve governance from within,” the Council noted.
MCK further pointed out that several LSK members currently serve in critical state institutions such as the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Media Complaints Commission, where their decisions are often viewed as government positions.
“To demand that Odhiambo reject her appointment is an illogical demand tantamount to calling for all LSK members in public service to resign and focus solely on criticising the government. Such a stance is neither logical nor constructive; it undermines the very fabric of collaborative progress,” the Council added.
Also watch: Lawyer Willis Otieno defends Faith Odhiambo over role in Ruto’s task force
The Media Council emphasised that while the media must hold leaders accountable, condemning Odhiambo before she begins her work is premature and counterproductive.
“The media has an indisputable right to critique government actions and hold those in authority accountable.”
“However, condemning Odhiambo for an anticipated failure before she has even begun her work is not only premature but also cynical and counterproductive and borders on sadism. When the media succumbs to mob justice, it becomes the greatest betrayer of its own independence and objectivity,” MCK warned.
The Council urged fairness, objectivity and restraint in reporting on the matter, calling on Kenyans to support the panel’s work.
