Win For Faith Odhiambo In Court Case Challenging Ruto's Protest Victims Panel

The High Court in Kerugoya has approved Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo’s request to withdraw from two consolidated petitions challenging the creation of a compensation panel for victims of protests.

Justice Edward Muriithi, in a ruling delivered on Monday, granted Odhiambo’s application to be removed from the case after she stepped down from the panel appointed by President William Ruto.

The panel had been formed to receive and process claims from individuals affected during the nationwide demonstrations that followed the Finance Act protests. Odhiambo had been named the Vice Chairperson of the panel.

However, she resigned, citing the significance of the current period in Kenya’s democratic reform journey.

“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 stated.

Her application faced opposition from petitioners Gema Waitho and Eunice Ngaganga, who argued that Odhiambo should remain a party due to her initial involvement in the panel’s work and her position as LSK president.

One petitioner claimed she could face contempt proceedings over the alleged continuation of the panel’s activities despite existing conservatory orders.

Another maintained that Odhiambo’s role as LSK head made her accountable for matters of professional ethics, potential conflicts of interest, and leadership standards within the legal community.

In his ruling, Justice Muriithi found that Odhiambo’s resignation on October 6, 2025, absolved her of any liability for actions taken by the panel thereafter.

The court determined there was no legal or factual reason to keep her in the case now that she no longer serves on the committee.

“She would not be liable for acts of the panel taking place after her resignation,” the judge said. “Unless it is a matter of personal vendetta, which this court cannot countenance, the alleged contempt is to be pursued against members of the panel who remain after her resignation.”

Justice Muriithi added that keeping Odhiambo in the proceedings would unfairly expose her to personal costs in a case she is no longer involved in.

He further ruled that any claims of conflict of interest no longer stood since she had already relinquished her position on the panel.

“Following her resignation, the applicant no longer accepts the appointment to the panel, and there is no possibility of the suggested conflict of interest,” the judge ruled.

The court therefore granted Odhiambo’s request in full, ordering that her name be struck out from all petitions.

Justice Muriithi also directed that there would be no order on costs at this stage, noting that such matters would be addressed after the main petitions are concluded.

The remaining parties are expected to proceed with the full hearing of the challenge against the legality of President Ruto’s compensation panel.