The Law Society of Kenya President, Faith Odhiambo, has been honoured by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and awarded the Commonwealth Law Conference (CLC) Rule of Law Award 2025.
"In recognition of her unwavering commitment to justice and human rights, Faith Mony Odhiambo is hereby honoured with the CLC Rule of Law Award 2025," the CLA wrote on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
The CLC is a prestigious biennial event organised by the CLA. It brings together legal practitioners, senior justice leaders, members of the judiciary, academics, and emerging young legal talent from across the Commonwealth to discuss pressing legal issues, share best practices, and network.
The Rule of Law Award at the CLC recognises individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions to the promotion and maintenance of the rule of law within the Commonwealth.
The Association described Odhiambo as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, especially during the 2024 Gen Z-inspired anti-Finance Bill.
"Faith’s journey in the legal field is a story of ambition, resilience, and steadfast dedication to the principles of justice," CLA continued.
During the protests and even after, Odhiambo tirelessly advocated for the safety of protestors and demanded the release of those who were arrested and abducted.
While celebrating Odhiambo, Norwegian Ambassador Gunnar Andreas Holm hailed Kenya's vibrant democracy while emphasising the importance of protecting freedom of expression and civic space.
"Kenya’s vibrant democracy is one of its greatest strengths. Like any other democracy, it requires continuous care and vigilance. The civic space must be protected by all, and the freedoms of expression and association, as well as access to information, are vital to holding those in power accountable and enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in shaping their future," Holm pointed out.
Freedom of expression and association has been under threat in Kenya, with the nation witnessing cases of youths being abducted for expressing differing opinions from those of the ruling government.
Odhiambo has joined Paul Muite in the list of Kenyans who have won this award. Muite received the CLC Rule of Law Award in 2015, recognised for his courageous defence of the Bill of Rights and his significant contributions to the development of laws that led to Kenya's new constitutional order.
For winning, Odhiambo will be awarded a unique engraved trophy recognising her achievement and offered either a contribution towards travel expenses or admission to the 24th Commonwealth Law Conference in Malta.
