Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo takes oath as a member of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests on September 4 /HANDOUT
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has clarified that she has not been involved in the work of a government-appointed panel on compensation for victims of protests.
In a statement titled Duty and Loyalty: A Call to Serve, Odhiambo said her role remains strictly tied to defending the Constitution and serving Kenyans.
“It is my solemn patriotic duty and obligation to respect, uphold, and defend the Constitution of Kenya,” she said.
The LSK boss noted that, beyond taking part in the swearing-in, she has “not participated in any meetings or engagements with or for the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots.”
Odhiambo stressed her independence, saying: “I respect the rule of law and abide by the orders given by the High Court. I would like to emphasise that I do not work for the Government of Kenya nor the opposition; my call is to serve the people of Kenya and my learned colleagues at the Law Society of Kenya.”
She added that she is consulting widely while listening to the voices of victims still seeking justice.
According to her, many Kenyans were killed or injured during protests, while others face “trumped-up charges.”
Odhiambo renewed her demand to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to review terrorism charges against protesters.
“I maintain the call to the ODPP to review the trumped-up terrorism charges against peaceful protesters; and shift focus on prosecuting the trigger-happy officers who were caught on camera using excessive force to undermine the right to freedom of assembly,” she stated.
She assured Kenyans that the society would continue to provide legal aid to victims.
“The Law Society of Kenya will continue to offer pro bono services for victims and survivors of Police Brutality in the various ongoing cases across the country,” she said.