The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Mony Odhiambo has formally resigned from her position as Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests, citing legal constraints and the need to focus on strengthening the rule of law through the LSK.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 7, Odhiambo confirmed that she had submitted her resignation letter to the Head of Public Service, ending her short tenure on the panel that was established by the government through a Kenya Gazette notice dated August 25, 2025.
The panel was formed to develop frameworks for compensating victims of police excesses and violence during public demonstrations , a matter that has sparked national debate amid repeated protests over the cost of living.
Odhiambo said she had accepted the appointment in good faith, believing it would help “overhaul the existing legal and institutional framework on victim reparations,” which she described as inadequate and slow.
However, she noted that the panel’s mandate has since been halted by the courts, rendering it difficult to fulfill its objectives within the 120-day timeframe initially assigned.
“As things stand, the time-bound mandate of the Panel has been stopped by our Courts, and the proposed 120-day tenure is likely to lapse before the matter is resolved,” she said.
“Victims continue to reach out in frustration over when their requests for audience with the Panel will be honoured.”
Odhiambo explained that her resignation does not mark an end to her advocacy for victims of police brutality, emphasizing that she will now channel her efforts through the LSK.
“My commitment to agitate for the rights of victims remains impregnable,” she stated.
“I will continue to take up and prosecute matters on behalf of victims of police excesses during demonstrations and safeguard holistic justice for them.”
She highlighted that a team of LSK advocates in Kisumu is already representing victims of the 2023 anti-government demonstrations in court and called on the Judiciary to expedite such cases.
Faith Odhiambo further announced that the LSK will engage stakeholders in justice and human rights sectors to develop legislative proposals addressing the gaps in Kenya’s victim reparations framework.
“We must transform Kenya’s approach to dealing with victims of police excesses from a slow and punitive model to a victim-centered approach that focuses on rehabilitation, dignity, and restoration,” she said.
She outlined several goals she still intends to pursue under LSK, including:
- Memorialization of victims and public recognition of their identities;
- Identification and tracking of unreported and pending cases;
- Proposals to the Chief Justice for practice directions to fast-track related court cases; and
- Petitions to Parliament for new legislation protecting demonstrators and ensuring timely reparations for victims of police violence.
In closing, Odhiambo reaffirmed her unwavering dedication to defending constitutionalism and human rights in Kenya.
“Our institutions must remain unified and resolute in discharging their mandate. May justice remain our shield and defender,” she concluded.
Her resignation comes at a critical time when Kenya continues to grapple with issues surrounding police accountability, freedom of assembly and justice for victims of state excesses.
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