Kivutha Kibwana Commends Faith Odhiambo for Resigning from Compensation Panel

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has resigned from her position as Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests.

Her decision follows growing legal and public concerns over the panel’s legitimacy and capacity to deliver on its mandate. The High Court recently suspended the panel’s operations, casting doubt on its ability to meet the 120-day timeline initially set for its work. 

Odhiambo cited the court’s ruling and the increasing frustrations of victims seeking justice as key reasons for stepping down. In her resignation statement, she noted that the goals she had aimed to achieve within the panel’s timeframe were no longer realistic. 

She said that her ongoing leadership of the LSK would be a more effective avenue for supporting victims of police violence and defending the rule of law. “My resolve to stand with the victims remains impregnable,” she said.

Former Makueni Governor and governance expert Prof. Kivutha Kibwana welcomed her resignation, describing it as a principled decision. In a public statement, he praised Odhiambo’s move as an act of ethical leadership and encouraged Kenyans to recognise the value of correcting course in public service. 

“Taking one wrong turn and then rectifying the misstep is what a decent human being does,” he said.

Kibwana also called for greater attention to systemic failures within public institutions, urging the public to focus on addressing corruption and inefficiency. He emphasised that leaders must be willing to reflect and take responsibility when challenges arise.

The panel’s formation had been met with criticism from sections of the legal community and civil society, with concerns about its independence and ability to deliver justice.