Kivutha Kibwana praises LSK’s Faith Odhiambo for quitting compensation panel

Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has lauded Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo for stepping down from the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests.

Kibwana, in a statement, described her decision as an act of integrity and a win for Kenya’s democracy.

He commended Odhiambo for acknowledging and correcting what he termed a “misstep,” saying her move reflected strong moral character and leadership.

“What Faith Odhiambo has done for Kenya’s democracy and especially for the youth will forever be etched in our history,” Kibwana said.

“Taking one wrong turn and then rectifying the misstep is what a decent human being does. Let us be kind and forgiving. Let us focus on the rot that needs cleaning.”

Kibwana, a seasoned lawyer and governance expert, urged Kenyans to channel their energy toward addressing systemic corruption and institutional decay rather than vilifying individuals who choose to make amends.

Odhiambo’s resignation, he noted, should serve as a reminder of the power of self-correction in public service.

“Let us focus on the rot that needs cleaning,” Kibwana emphasized, calling for renewed accountability in national governance.

Kibwana’s remarks came after Odhiambo announced her resignation from the state-appointed compensation panel.

Her appointment to the panel as vice chairperson followed public criticism from sections of the legal fraternity and civil society who viewed the panel’s establishment as questionable.

“As resilient as the resolve of the Law Society of Kenya has been in upholding the rule of law throughout Kenya's history, especially in the last two years, my oath of office demands that I do all it takes to preserve such resilience from any and all adversaries and detractors,” she said.

“Accordingly, I have today handed in my formal and immediate resignation from the position of Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests to the Head of Public Service.”

Odhiambo said her 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.

According to Odhiambo, the time-bound mandate of the Panel has been stopped by the Courts, and the proposed 120-day tenure of the Panel is likely to lapse before the matter is resolved and settled.

She said that while the clock runs down on the Panel's lifetime, victims continue to reach out to her in total frustration over when their requests for an audience with the Panel will be honoured.

Unfortunately, it is not feasible to achieve the time-sensitive milestones I undertook to achieve, and I must therefore prioritise other avenues of responding to the plight of victims through the other positions I hold, especially the leadership of the LSK,” she said.

“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.”