The High Court in Kerugoya has cleared Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo from two consolidated petitions challenging the establishment of President William Ruto’s protest victims compensation panel.
Justice Edward Muriithi on Monday ruled that Odhiambo, who had been appointed as the Vice Chairperson of the panel, was no longer a necessary party to the proceedings following her resignation from the committee.
The panel had been set up to receive and process claims from individuals affected by the nationwide demonstrations that followed the Finance Act protests. Odhiambo resigned from the position on October 6, 2025, citing the need to focus on her responsibilities as LSK President and her broader commitment to constitutional reform.
“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,” she stated in her resignation letter.
Two petitioners Gema Waitho and Eunice Ngaganga had opposed her application to withdraw, arguing that Odhiambo should remain a party due to her prior involvement in the panel and her leadership role at the LSK. They also raised concerns about potential contempt proceedings related to the alleged commencement of the panel’s work despite existing court orders.
However, Justice Muriithi found that Odhiambo’s resignation relieved her of any legal or factual responsibility for actions taken by the panel after her exit.
“She would not be liable for acts of the panel taking place after her resignation,” the judge said, adding that any contempt claims should be directed at the remaining members.
The court ruled that keeping her in the petitions would expose her to unnecessary personal costs and that any perceived conflict of interest had fallen away. The matter will now proceed to a full hearing against the remaining respondents.
