Why Faith Odhiambo resigned from panel on protest victims

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Mony Odhiambo, has resigned as Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, citing court delays and time constraints that have hindered the Panel’s mandate.

Odhiambo, who was appointed Vice Chairperson following the Panel’s establishment in the Kenya Gazette on August 25, 2025, said she was stepping down to focus on other avenues for advancing justice for victims.

“Accordingly, I have today handed in my formal and immediate resignation,” she confirmed in a statement.

The Panel was tasked with reforming Kenya’s framework for compensating victims of police excesses and public protests.

However, the courts have temporarily halted their work, and the proposed 120-day tenure risks lapsing before substantive progress can be achieved. Consequently, Odhiambo said she cannot meet the time-sensitive objectives originally planned.

Nevertheless, she emphasised that her commitment to victims remains unwavering. She noted that LSK lawyers are already pursuing ongoing cases in Kisumu related to police excesses during the 2023 demonstrations against the cost of living.

Furthermore, she promised that the society will engage justice stakeholders to propose legislative and institutional reforms aimed at creating a more efficient, victim-centred system.

Among the key initiatives Odhiambo highlighted are memorialising victims, tracking unreported cases, urging courts to fast-track hearings, and petitioning Parliament to review laws governing demonstrations and reparations.

She concluded with a call for continued vigilance: “May Justice remain our Shield and Defender.”

Her resignation comes at a critical juncture in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen democratic accountability and ensure reparations for those affected by state overreach during protests.