Faith Mony Odhiambo, Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, has officially resigned from her position, citing the need to uphold the rule of law, safeguard institutional independence, and pursue more effective avenues for justice for victims of police overreach.
Odhiambo was appointed to the Panel following its establishment by the Head of Public Service through a Kenya Gazette Notice dated August 25, 2025.
Comprised of distinguished experts in law and human rights, the Panel was tasked with overhauling Kenya’s reparations framework to address long-standing grievances regarding police brutality and victimization during demonstrations.
In her statement, Odhiambo emphasized that her decision was informed by her unwavering commitment to the rule of law and her responsibility to preserve the independence and credibility of institutions such as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), where she currently serves in a leadership role.
“As resilient as the resolve of the Law Society of Kenya has been in upholding the rule of law, my oath of office demands that I do all it takes to preserve such resilience from any and all adversaries and detractors,” she stated.
Odhiambo noted that while the Panel presented an important opportunity for reform, its work has been halted by court orders, leaving its time-bound mandate in limbo.
With the Panel’s 120-day tenure likely to expire before any progress can be made, she highlighted the growing frustration among victims who had hoped for justice but remain unheard.
“Victims continue to reach out to me in total frustration over when their requests for audience with the Panel will be honoured,” she said.
“Unfortunately, it is not feasible to achieve the time-sensitive milestones I undertook to achieve.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to continue fighting for victims’ rights through her position at the LSK and other legal platforms.
She disclosed that LSK advocates are actively representing victims of the 2023 cost-of-living demonstrations in court and pledged to push for expedited hearings and justice for victims.
Odhiambo also called for urgent reforms to Kenya’s legal and institutional framework on reparations.
She announced plans by LSK to engage justice stakeholders and human rights institutions in formulating legislative proposals that will prioritize victim-centered justice and rehabilitation.
“Our proposals will be focused on transforming Kenya’s approach to dealing with victims of police excesses from a punitive model to one centered on dignity and restoration,” she said.
“Reparations for victims must be treated with the same seriousness as the pursuit of accountability for perpetrators.”
As part of her continued advocacy, Odhiambo outlined key goals she remains committed to achieving:
- Memorializing victims and publishing their identities to honor their sacrifice;
- Identifying and tracking all reported and unreported victims to ensure interventions are made;
- Proposing practice directions to the Chief Justice for fast-tracking victim-related cases in court;
- Petitioning Parliament to review and amend laws on demonstrations to include protections and reparations for victims.
Concluding her statement, Odhiambo expressed hope that these alternative efforts will yield positive outcomes for victims and help shape a more just and humane legal response to state overreach.
“May justice remain our shield and defender,” she declared.
