Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has lauded Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo's bold resignation from a contentious government panel, calling it a powerful act of redemption that strengthens Kenya's democratic resolve.
Kibwana, an advocate for constitutional reforms, took to X to commend Odhiambo's decision, which came amid fierce backlash from civil society and youth activists.
"What Faith Odhiambo has done for Kenya’s democracy and especially for the youth will forever be etched in our history. Taking one wrong turn & 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 posted on X.
Odhiambo's exit on October 6 from her role as vice chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests has ignited a national debate on accountability and redemption.
Appointed in August by President William Ruto's administration, the 15-member panel—chaired by Prof. Makau Mutua—was gazetted to review compensation frameworks for victims of police brutality during 2023 and 2024 anti-government protests.
Those youth-led uprisings, sparked by soaring living costs and governance failures, claimed over 120 lives and left hundreds injured.Her acceptance of the post initially drew sharp criticism.
Detractors, including human rights lawyers, accused Odhiambo—a protest-era heroine who rallied against abductions and extrajudicial killings—of compromising LSK's independence by joining an "unconstitutional" executive body.
In her resignation letter to the Head of Public Service, Odhiambo cited court injunctions stalling the panel's 120-day mandate, leaving victims in "total frustration" without hearings.
"It is not possible to achieve the time-sensitive milestones," she wrote, vowing to champion justice through LSK instead.