Ruto Tasks Faith Odhiambo With Recruiting Next KNCHR Chairperson

The post fell vacant following the death of the Commission’s former Chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Apr 12, 2025 - 15:06
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Ruto Tasks Faith Odhiambo With Recruiting Next KNCHR Chairperson
A collage of LSK President Faith Odhiambo (left) and President William Ruto (right). /PCS

President William Ruto has appointed Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo to an eight-member selection panel tasked with recruiting a new Chairperson for the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The post fell vacant following the death of the Commission’s former Chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede. She passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, after battling a short illness.

According to a Gazette notice dated April 11, those appointed to the panel include Joe Ager, Lawrence Muiruri, Jackline Nekesa Makokha, Dr. Irene Cherotich Asienga, Kathurima Hiram Kirimi, and Catherine Wameyo. Also named are Professor Kenneth Wyne Mutuma.

The team will now be responsible for overseeing the recruitment process, which involves announcing the vacancy, evaluating applications, conducting interviews, and submitting a list of shortlisted candidates to the President. The nominees will then undergo vetting by Parliament before the final appointment is confirmed.

President William Ruto signs the Supplementary Appropriations Bill into Law at State House in Nairobi. /PCS

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is a vital independent body in the country, with its leadership playing a crucial role in protecting civil liberties and tackling human rights violations.

The late Odede held a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of the Witwatersrand.

In her professional career, she served as the Senior Managing Partner at Roseline Odede & Company Advocates, leading numerous cases, particularly focusing on issues related to gender rights and human rights.

Odede then served as the Chairperson of KNCHR, where she played a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights in the country. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta nominated her in June 2022 and she officially joined the commission in this capacity months later.

As Chairperson, Odede led the Commission in its mandate to promote and protect human rights in Kenya, being involved in various initiatives, including advocating for the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, and addressing issues related to demonstrations and public protests.

Odede has also contributed to the Judiciary through her role on the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board, where she participated in the vetting process of judges and magistrates. 

The incoming Chairperson will be tasked with building on the foundation laid by Odede and ensuring the Commission's mandate is upheld.

The late Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede. /FILE

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