LSK council member raises concern over Faith Adhiambo's appoinment to State panel

A section of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised alarm over what it terms an “attempted state capture” of the society following the appointment of its President, Faith Odhiambo, to a government panel.

Speaking in Nairobi, LSK Council Member Wakili Steve Mbugua accused the executive of seeking to compromise the independence of the society through political co-option.

Mbugua said Odhiambo’s appointment to the Victims Compensation Panel by President William Ruto has sparked “significant concern and deep division” within the society.

“The constitutionality of this panel is highly questionable,” he said, arguing that the Constitution does not grant the President powers to establish quasi-judicial panels of such nature. “Many see this appointment as an attempt by the executive to neutralize the independence of the Law Society — a classic case of state capture in progress.”

Mbugua linked the matter to the aftermath of the Gen Z-led protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, which were marred by widespread reports of police brutality, abductions, and killings. According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, many of these atrocities were state-sponsored and politically motivated.

He warned that threats and intimidation against LSK members who oppose government interference are intended to silence dissent.

“Many of my colleagues have received threats to their lives for daring to speak out. But I will not be intimidated. If defending the independence of the Law Society of Kenya means risking my life, then so be it,” he declared.

Mbugua praised lawyers who offered pro bono services during the protests, describing them as the “voice of the voiceless.” He said the legal fraternity’s stand at that time exemplified the noblest values of the rule of law.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, he called on members of the society and the public to resist oppression and defend the autonomy of the LSK. “We will not remain silent in the face of injustice. We will not allow the Law Society of Kenya to be turned into a political puppet,” he stated.

In his closing remarks, Mbugua urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable. “The state may have succeeded in co-opting a few, but it has not broken our spirit. For justice, for the rule of law, for the future of our nation, we remain committed to our cause,” he affirmed.