Faith Odhiambo: Why I accepted Ruto’s appointment to victim compensation panel

Odhiambo was appointed to the panel by President William Ruto in a gazette notice on August 26, 2025. 

Odhiambo’s appointment sparked debate among Kenyan citizens, who argued that she would betray the course for justice amid human rights violations during protests.

Majority expected her to reject the appointment, less it becomes a betrayal to Kenyans. 

During the panel's swearing-in on Thursday, Odhiambo dismissed claims that by accepting the role, she had betrayed Kenyans. She expressed this in a heartfelt speech she delivered. 

“As I take up this responsibility, let it be known that I have in no way betrayed your trust. Let it be clear that access to criminal justice remains critical to me in our quest to promote and protect the rule of law as an essential element in the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights and freedoms.” She affirmed. 

Odhiambo assured Kenyans that she won’t let them down and the bloodshed by the companion won’t be in vain. 

In addition, she will keep Kenyans informed on the development of the victim’s cases and she will not contradict the gains made by the country. 

She further empathized with the victim’s family and affirmed them that justice would be delivered. 

“The Panel of Experts that I join today bears both the duty and opportunity to spearhead a revolutionary shift in victim reparations,” she said. “Never again shall Kenyans be killed by trigger-hungry officers for exercising their constitutional rights on the streets.”

Odhiambo assured that her solemnly duty will be to deliver justice to the victim’s and the common mwananchi. 

In 2024, Odhiambo had turned down President Ruto’s appointment to be a member of an independent task force that would audit the country's public debt.

In a statement by LSK Secretary Florence Muturi, the LSK noted that the task force is unconstitutional since the mandate to conduct public audits rests with the office of the Auditor General.

LSK pointed out the Auditor General is required by law to audit the public debt within six months after the end of each financial year.

"The Council of the Law Society of Kenya has thus resolved that neither our president nor any of our members shall take up appointments or participate in the said taskforce," LSK said.