Faith Odhiambo: I Do Not Work For The Government

Nairobi, Kenya – Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has moved to distance herself from government interests after controversy erupted over her role in the Panel of Experts on the Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots.

In a strongly worded statement, Odhiambo insisted she has had no involvement with the panel beyond her swearing-in as vice chairperson, saying her loyalty lies only with the public and the legal fraternity.

Her clarification comes amid growing unease over the panel’s legitimacy, particularly after chairman Prof. Makau Mutua admitted to convening meetings despite a court order suspending its work.

“Let it be clear that, apart from the swearing-in, I have not participated in any meetings or engagements with, or on behalf of, the panel,” Odhiambo said, adding: “I do not work for the Government of Kenya nor the opposition. My duty is to serve the people of Kenya and my learned colleagues at the Law Society of Kenya.”

Her remarks underscore a delicate balancing act between the government’s attempt to appear responsive to victims of police brutality and the opposition’s accusations that the panel is a political smokescreen.

Odhiambo’s appointment has faced criticism from some quarters that see it as co-option of an independent voice, while others argue her presence offers credibility to victims’ concerns.

The LSK president disclosed she is consulting widely on whether to continue in the role, stressing that her decision will be guided by victims’ voices rather than political interests.

“It is my solemn duty to acknowledge the plight of those who have suffered and to protect them from being silenced,” she said.

Her call on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to drop “trumped-up terrorism charges” against protesters and prosecute police officers caught on camera using excessive force further highlighted the political tensions around the demonstrations.

Odhiambo’s clarification now puts pressure on both the government and opposition, as she seeks to shield the LSK from being drawn into partisan battles over state violence, while reaffirming its role as a defender of the rule of law.