Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has resigned from President William Ruto's Victims Compensation Panel, after weeks of mounting pressure.
Ruto appointed her to the Panel of Experts that includes 14 others as the vice chairperson, to spearhead the process of compensating victims of demonstrations and public protests across the country.
''Earlier today, I tendered my resignation from the position of Vice Chairperson of the Compensation Panel. I will continue to agitate for Justice for all Victims and pursue all key deliverables I had set out to attain,'' Odhiambo announced.
''My resignation from the Panel takes cognisance of the crucial point at which Kenya finds itself in the quest for full constitutional implementation and lasting reform to our democratic context. This consequential moment for our country calls for all our rule of law institutions, especially the Law Society of Kenya, to remain unified and resolute in discharging the mandate bestowed upon us by law.''
According to the LSK boss, the time-bound mandate of the panel had already been stopped by the High Court, and therefore, the proposed 120-day tenure of the panel was likely to lapse before the matter is resolved and settled.
Additionally, Odhiambo said that despite her resignation, she will continue championing the plights of thousands of victims of police brutality through the leadership of LSK.
''My commitment to agitate for the rights of victims remains impregnable; I will continue to take up and prosecute matters on behalf of victims of police excesses during demonstrations, and work towards safeguarding holistic justice for victims,'' she maintained.
Adding that: ''Further, it is not lost on me that there remains a significant gap in our victim reparations framework which must be addressed urgently. LSK will forthwith engage all justice stakeholders and Human Rights institutions to formulate legislative proposals to reconcile the infirmities in our laws and institutions that have left victims prejudiced and short-handed in their quest for justice.''
The panel, chaired by Presidential Constitutional Advisor Professor Makau Mutua, was unveiled to steer the compensation framework amid calls for justice and accountability for those affected during anti-government protests.
However, her appointment drew sharp criticism from sections of the legal fraternity, civil society, and opposition leaders, who argued that her involvement in the panel compromised the independence of LSK.
On September 8, the High Court issued orders temporarily suspending the functioning following a petition by Lawyer Levi Munyeri.
Reacting to Odhiambo’s resignation, Munyeri stated, ''Faith Odhiambo, you have done the right thing. Better late than never. Now, let us turn our focus to the rest of the panel and ensure justice is delivered for our slain and injured patriots.''
Meanwhile, the High Court in Kerugoya on Monday extended the conservatory orders barring the compensation panel from operation until October 21.
