Ndegwa Njiru: We must struggle to liberate LSK from Ruto
By Aloys Michael, September 7, 2025Human rights lawyer and advocate Ndegwa Njiru has accused the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo of selling the association to President William Ruto, sparking calls for urgent reform within the LSK.
The remarks come amid growing criticism over her appointment to the victims of protests panel, with many saying the move is going to discredit LSK as defender of human freedom and rights.
“Faith Odhiambo has sold the LSK to Kasongo… We must urgently begin the vugu vugu la kukomboa the LSK (The struggle to liberate the LSK),” the X post read on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Njiru called for immediate action to reclaim the association’s independence and integrity, arguing that the LSK is responsible for regulating and representing lawyers in Kenya, plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding justice.
Odhiambo defends the appointment
The LSK boss spoke out after days of mounting pressure from Kenyans who wanted her to reject President William Ruto’s appointment to co-chair the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots.
In a speech delivered during the panel’s swearing-in on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Odhiambo dismissed claims that by accepting the role, she had betrayed Kenyans. She maintained that her decision was informed by a duty to safeguard justice and the rule of law while ensuring that victims of protests receive a fair hearing.
“As I take up this responsibility, let it be known that I have in no way betrayed your trust,” she said. “Let it be clear that access to criminal justice remains critical to me in our quest to promote and protect the rule of law as an essential element in the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights and freedoms.”
Odhiambo assured Kenyans that she would not let them down, adding that the deaths and injuries suffered during the protests must never be in vain. She promised to remain accountable to the people and to consistently update them on the progress of the panel’s work.
“I have today chosen a bold but unpopular step,” she admitted. “Some of my colleagues in the legal profession may not like this move, and thousands of Kenyans have voiced their reservations. However, my focus will remain on the victims.”
She recalled the pain of victims’ families, among many other parents whose children were killed during previous demonstrations, stating that her actions were informed by the need to ensure that justice for these families could no longer be delayed.