Faith Odhiambo Breaks Silence: “I Stand With Protest Victims, Not Politicians”

Faith Odhiambo Breaks Silence: “I Stand With Protest Victims, Not Politicians”

After days of public backlash, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has finally spoken. She addressed Kenyans directly during the swearing-in of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots.

“As I take up this responsibility, let it be known that I have in no way betrayed your trust,” Odhiambo declared.

Her appointment by President William Ruto sparked outrage. Many Kenyans feared she had aligned herself with political interests. However, Odhiambo insisted her decision was rooted in justice, not politics.

“Let it be clear that access to criminal justice remains critical to me,” she said. “Our quest is to promote and protect the rule of law as an essential element in the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.”

A Bold Yet Painful Choice

Odhiambo admitted the move was unpopular. Still, she remained firm in her commitment to victims.

“I have today chosen a bold but unpopular step,” she said. “Some of my colleagues may not like this move, and thousands of Kenyans have voiced their reservations. However, my focus will remain on the victims.”

She recalled heartbreaking stories, including that of Joseph Oloo Abanja and Lensa Achieng. Their infant daughter died during a midnight police raid in Kisumu.

“Justice for these families can no longer be delayed,” she urged.

Judiciary Under Fire

Odhiambo didn’t hold back. She criticized the judiciary for failing victims of police brutality.

“Police officers implicated in protest-related killings often go unpunished,” she said.

She cited Corporal Fredrick Okapesi’s court testimony. He admitted altering firearm records during the Gen Z protests on June 18, 2024.

“Such actions show systemic failures in holding perpetrators accountable,” Odhiambo noted.

A New Path for Justice

Odhiambo believes the panel offers a chance for real change.

“The Panel of Experts bears both the duty and opportunity to spearhead a revolutionary shift in victim reparations,” she said. “Never again shall Kenyans be killed by trigger-happy officers for exercising their constitutional rights.”

She emphasized that the panel’s structure will prioritize victims and accountability.

“This process belongs to the victims and the ordinary mwananchi,” she affirmed. “There is no Kenya that belongs exclusively to politicians and their children. We only have one nation, the Republic of Kenya.”

Panel Composition

The 15-member panel will be chaired by Professor Makau Mutua. Odhiambo will serve as vice-chairperson.

ALSO READ: LSK Raises Alarm Over Fake Fundraisers, Distances Itself from Protest Bail Campaigns

Faith Odhiambo Breaks Silence: “I Stand With Protest Victims, Not Politicians”