LSK President Faith Odhiambo
By Gabriel Somba
A city lawyer has written to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) governing council to convene an extraordinary meeting to determine whether President Faith Odhiambo remains in the office after accepting the appointment into protests’ victims’ compensation taskforce by President William Ruto.
Lawyer Francis Wanjiru says as a cornerstone of Kenya’s legal profession, the LSK serves as an independent voice in scrutinizing state actions, particularly in matters of human rights and governance.
Mr. Wanjiru says the LSK is bound to maintain the highest standards of independence and impartiality.
He says the LSK’s leadership is entrusted with embodying these principles to preserve public confidence in the legal profession and the involvement of its highest office in a government-appointed body raises significant concerns about a potential conflict of interest, which could undermine the Society’s ability to objectively critique state policies or actions.
Mr Wanjiru has faulted Ms Odhiambo acceptance of a role within a government- initiated body, especially one addressing a politically sensitive issue, risks creating a perception of alignment with the executive.
“Such a perception, even if unintended, could impair the LSK’s ability to discharge its functions as an impartial advocate, particularly when holding the state accountable for actions involving public protests or alleged violations of rights,” states Mr Wanjiru in his letter to LSK Council and Chief Executive Officer.
“In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that the Council, pursuant to Section 16 of the LSK Act, 2014, convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of the LSK membership to deliberate and decide with finality, whether the current President should continue to serve in that capacity. This matter is of such gravity that it warrants the democratic input of the Society’s members to ensure that the LSK’s leadership reflects its core values of independence, integrity, and public trust.”
He wants the LSK Governing Council to respond to his letter within 14 days.
Mr Wanjiru says the public image of the LSK is integral to its efficacy as a champion of justice and accountability.
He says the LSK’s credibility depends on the trust of its members, the broader legal community, and the public at large, adding that recent public discourse, including concerns raised by civil society and legal practitioners, highlights a growing perception that the LSK’s leadership may be seen as compromised by executive influence.
“This perception, whether substantiated or not, threatens to diminish the Society’s ability to mobilise support for its advocacy efforts and uphold its historical role as a defender of constitutionalism and human rights,” states Mr. Wanjiru.
Among the issues that Mr. Wanjiru wants is the LSK council to allow members to debate and vote on the compatibility of Ms Odhiambo’s external appointment with the LSK’s mandate and ethical standards, and establish clear policies to govern the acceptance of external appointments by LSK office holders to prevent future conflicts.
The lawyer also wants members and stakeholders to have an opportunity to engage and foster transparent dialogue to reaffirm the LSK’s commitment to its constitutional and ethical obligations.
Ms Odhiambo has been appointed as Vice-Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, established by presidential proclamation on 25 August 2025.
However, the high court has issued orders restraining the panel from conducting the intended activities after a petition was filed to declare the taskforce unconstitutional.
