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Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has heaped praises on the late Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Roseline Odede, in her heartfelt messages of condolences.

Wamuchomba in a statement shared via her official social media accounts on Saturday, January 4, 2025, said Odede’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of all Kenyans and her tireless efforts to ensure the implementation of the Kenyan Constitution, had left an indelible mark on the society.

“It is with profound sorrow that I address the loss of Chairperson Roseline Odede of the Kenya Human Rights Commission. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of all Kenyans and her tireless efforts to ensure the implementation of our Constitution have left an indelible mark on our society,” Wamuchomba’s statement read in part.

Wamuchomba on Odede’s dedication

Wamuchomba who chairs the National Assembly’s committee of Constitutiom Implementation and Oversight (CIOC), went ahead to state that Odede went above and beyond in her dedication to vulnerable children.

The lawmaker further noted that Odede often utilized her own resources to support those in need, especially in a context where the Commission faced significant funding challenges.

“During her appearances before the Committee on Constitution Implementation Oversight, it was clear that Chairperson Odede went above and beyond in her dedication to vulnerable children, often utilizing her own resources to support those in need, especially in a context where the Commission faced significant funding challenges. Her resilience in championing the rights of women, children, and youth will forever resonate in our hearts,” Wamuchomba stated.

Odede’s achievements

Moreover, Wamuchomba listed some of Odede’s achievements, including raising critical issues regarding the timelines established in the Constitution for the review of boundaries, which lapsed in March 2024.

“Chairperson Odede also raised critical issues regarding the timelines established in the Constitution for the review of boundaries, which lapsed in March 2024. The country is yet to have a fully constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in place that is mandated to undertake this exercise, posing an impending constitutional crisis. Additionally, she reiterated that the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) operates with only six (6) regional offices out of the forty-seven (47) counties and a staff capacity of just 30%, which is below its optimum operational capacity. As the Committee, we hope that her wishes for improvement and support will be honored by the Government,” the statement read.

President William Ruto, his deputy Kithure Kindiki and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Faith Odhiambo have also mourned Odede.

President Ruto in his message described Odede as a formidable human rights champion and a distinguished campaigner for a more equal and fairer society.

“Deeply saddened by the death of the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Roseline Odhiambo Odede. She was a formidable human rights champion and a distinguished campaigner for a more equal and fairer society. Our thoughts and love are with the family at this sorrowful moment. Rest In Peace, Roseline,” Ruto wrote.

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— Hon.Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP (@hon_wamuchomba) January 4, 2025

The US Embassy has also mourned Odede as a steadfast champion of the values Kenyans hold dear.

“The U.S. Embassy extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Roseline Odede and the staff of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. As KNCHR Chairperson, Roseline was a steadfast champion of the values Kenyans hold dear. We wish peace and comfort to those affected by her passing,” the US Embassy said in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Roseline Odede and the staff of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. As KNCHR Chairperson, Roseline was a steadfast champion of the values Kenyans hold dear. We wish peace and comfort to those affected…

— U.S. Embassy Nairobi (@USEmbassyKenya) January 4, 2025