Faith Odhiambo urges safeguarding integrity in judicial appointments
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 8, 2025Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has called for stronger safeguards in the appointment of judges, stressing that the process must remain credible, fair, and free from undue influence.
In a post on her X account on Monday, September 8, 2025, Odhiambo said she had led the LSK to a stakeholder engagement forum on the recruitment of judges organised by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). She revealed that the society had presented comparative analyses from jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and India, and offered key recommendations to enhance independence in the judicial appointments process.
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Among the proposals, the LSK urged for a balanced 50:50 recruitment between the Bar and the Bench, regional representation among magistrates, and diversity in appointments without sacrificing competence. Odhiambo also pressed for transparency and strict adherence to the JSC Act.
“The judiciary is the backbone of our democracy,” Odhiambo wrote. “The way we recruit those who serve on the Bench must inspire confidence and reflect fairness, merit and inclusivity. Judicial appointments are safeguards of the rule of law, and we must protect their integrity at all costs.”
Appointment sparks heated debate
Her remarks come at a time when Odhiambo is under public scrutiny following her decision to accept President William Ruto’s appointment as Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests. The 18-member panel, gazetted on August 26, has been tasked with designing a framework to verify, categorise, and compensate victims of past protests.
The move has sparked criticism from sections of the legal fraternity and civil society. Former LSK president Nelson Havi accused Odhiambo of surrendering the society’s independence to the Executive, while lawyer Levy Munyeri threatened to push for her removal, arguing that her dual role undermines the LSK’s credibility. Others, such as lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, dismissed the panel as unconstitutional, noting that only the High Court has powers to grant relief under Article 23 of the Constitution.
Despite the criticism, Odhiambo has defended her decision. Speaking during the panel’s swearing-in last week.
“As I take up this responsibility, let it be known that I have in no way betrayed your trust. 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,” she said.
She further assured Kenyans that her participation would not compromise her duty as LSK president.
“The bloodshed of our comrades must not be in vain. This effort is victim-centred, impartial and nonpartisan,” she stated, adding that she would step aside if the panel lost its focus.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has also defended Odhiambo, urging restraint in the criticism directed at her.
“Condemning Ms Odhiambo for an anticipated failure before she has even begun her work is premature and borders on sadism,” the council said in a statement.