Faith Odhiambo: I do not work for the govt or opposition
By Arnold Ngure, September 11, 2025Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has lashed out at critics of her appointment to the panel of experts on the compensation of victims of demonstrations and riots, stating that she neither works for the government nor the opposition.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Odhiambo indicated that her core duty is to uphold the constitution of Kenya, and that she has never been involved in the affairs of the panel apart from the 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,” Odhiambo said.
Court order
“I respect the rule of law and abide by the orders given by the High Court. I would like to emphasize 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.”
The LSK President also revealed that she was widely consulting about her position as the vice chairperson of the panel amid widespread support and condemnation over the appointment.
“To this end, I am consulting widely on this cause while keenly listening to the voices of the victims and those who still suffer in search of justice. I know there are many Kenyans who were killed and injured, while others have been profiled and taken to court over trumped-up charges,” she stated.
Fight on
“I maintain the call to the ODPP to review the trumped-up terrorism charges against peaceful protesters; and shift focus on prosecuting the trigger-happy officers who were caught on camera using excessive force to undermine the right to freedom of assembly,” Odhiambo added.
“The LSK will continue to offer pro bono services for victims and survivors of Police Brutality in the various ongoing cases across the country.”
The appointment of Odhiambo to the protest victims’ compensation panel has attracted both praise and condemnation from a section of lawyers and politicians in the country.