Kenya Insights

Tag: Faith Odhiambo

  • Faith Odhiambo: I Do Not Work For The Government

    Faith Odhiambo: I Do Not Work For The Government

    Nairobi, Kenya – Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has moved to distance herself from government interests after controversy erupted over her role in the Panel of Experts on the Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots.

    In a strongly worded statement, Odhiambo insisted she has had no involvement with the panel beyond her swearing-in as vice chairperson, saying her loyalty lies only with the public and the legal fraternity.

    Her clarification comes amid growing unease over the panel’s legitimacy, particularly after chairman Prof. Makau Mutua admitted to convening meetings despite a court order suspending its work.

    “Let it be clear that, apart from the swearing-in, I have not participated in any meetings or engagements with, or on behalf of, the panel,” Odhiambo said, adding: “I do not work for the Government of Kenya nor the opposition. My duty is to serve the people of Kenya and my learned colleagues at the Law Society of Kenya.”

    Her remarks underscore a delicate balancing act between the government’s attempt to appear responsive to victims of police brutality and the opposition’s accusations that the panel is a political smokescreen.

    Odhiambo’s appointment has faced criticism from some quarters that see it as co-option of an independent voice, while others argue her presence offers credibility to victims’ concerns.

    The LSK president disclosed she is consulting widely on whether to continue in the role, stressing that her decision will be guided by victims’ voices rather than political interests.

    “It is my solemn duty to acknowledge the plight of those who have suffered and to protect them from being silenced,” she said.

    Her call on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to drop “trumped-up terrorism charges” against protesters and prosecute police officers caught on camera using excessive force further highlighted the political tensions around the demonstrations.

    Odhiambo’s clarification now puts pressure on both the government and opposition, as she seeks to shield the LSK from being drawn into partisan battles over state violence, while reaffirming its role as a defender of the rule of law.

  • LSK Considers Barring Ugandan Lawyers Over Karua’s Licence Dispute

    LSK Considers Barring Ugandan Lawyers Over Karua’s Licence Dispute

    The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed its intention to potentially halt the admission of Ugandan lawyers into Kenyan practice following the Uganda Law Council’s refusal to grant a temporary practising licence to Senior Counsel Martha Karua. Karua sought this permission to defend opposition figures Kizza Bisigye and Obeid Lutale in Kampala’s general court martial where they face charges related to the illegal possession of firearms.

    In a strongly worded letter dated December 10, LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticized the Uganda Law Council’s decision as “disrespectful, arrogant, and dismissive.” She highlighted the offense this caused not only to the cooperative relations between the Kenyan and Ugandan legal fraternities but also to the manner and rationale behind the decision.

    The Uganda Law Council, in its correspondence to Karua on December 6, rejected her application citing reasons such as her alleged lack of unique skills to justify the licence and the absence of necessary identification and academic documents. Additionally, they accused her of misconduct, including presenting herself in court without a valid Ugandan practising certificate.

    Odhiambo voiced her astonishment at the Council’s apparent disregard for Kenyan legal professionals, especially one as esteemed as Karua. She emphasized Kenya’s role in promoting regional legal collaboration, allowing advocates from neighboring countries to practice within Kenya, predominantly from Uganda, and stressed the unfair restrictions Kenyan lawyers face abroad.

    “It is inconceivable that the Law Council of Uganda would hold such little regard for Kenyan practitioners, no less a reputable and long-standing member of the Senior Counsel Bar,” Odhiambo said.

    LSK President Faith Odhiambo.

    “Given our responsibility to safeguard Kenyan legal practice under the LSK Act, we can no longer tolerate this blatant disrespect,” Odhiambo stated, indicating plans to engage with the Attorney General for a solution that would uphold mutual respect and legal dignity.

    Moreover, LSK is contemplating suspending the admission of Ugandan lawyers until mutual recognition agreements are established, a move aimed at maintaining the integrity of Kenyan legal practice.

    “To further protect the integrity of legal practice in Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya is actively considering, after necessary consultations, the suspension of admission of advocates from the Uganda Law Society until such a time as reciprocal arrangements are appreciated and implemented. This measure, though regrettable, is necessary to uphold the dignity and equity of Kenyan legal practice,” Odhiambo said.

    Bisigye and Lutale are accused of possessing illegal firearms across multiple countries including Kenya, Greece, and Switzerland, with specific charges related to an incident in Nairobi in November 2024. The military court proceedings were delayed when Karua attempted to represent them but was barred due to her lack of a Ugandan licence.

    Karua, in response, wrote a letter on December 9 challenging the character and professional critique from the Council, arguing it was an unjust attack on her integrity. She further communicated with the Uganda Law Society on December 10, urging them to support her reapplication for a special practising certificate under Article 19 of the IBA Standards, which calls for cooperation in granting foreign lawyers the right to represent clients.

    Karua emphasized the importance of the East African Community’s principles in supporting cross-border legal practice, looking forward to the Uganda Law Society’s assistance in navigating this dispute.

  • How Faith Odhiambo Is Leading the Charge for Justice Amidst Turmoil

    How Faith Odhiambo Is Leading the Charge for Justice Amidst Turmoil

    In the heart of Kenya’s political storm, Faith Odhiambo has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience for the rule of law and human rights.

    As protests against President William Ruto’s punitive tax bill escalate, Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), stands firm, advocating fiercely for the rights of protestors amidst government crackdowns and unprecedented challenges.

    Faith Odhiambo: Championing Human Rights Amidst Adversity

    From the outset, Odhiambo has been at the forefront, confronting government actions that threaten democratic freedoms.

    Following reports of abductions and excessive force against demonstrators, Odhiambo publicly condemned these acts as severe violations of human rights.

    “Extra-judicial killings, police abductions, torture, and incommunicado detentions are back like never before,” she asserted, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

    The abduction of her own personal assistant, Ernest Nyerere, among others, galvanized Odhiambo into action.

    These incidents, occurring in the early hours, drew international condemnation from organizations like Amnesty International, underscoring the government’s disregard for due process and human dignity.

    Legal Challenges and Defending Civil Liberties

    In a bold move, the LSK under Odhiambo’s leadership took legal action to challenge the government’s deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in response to protests.

    The High Court’s decision to demand transparency in the military’s role underscored Odhiambo’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights and the separation of powers.

    The LSK’s legal petition argued that no state of emergency or instability justified the unprecedented deployment of military forces against civilian demonstrators.

    This legal battle symbolizes Odhiambo’s dedication to using institutional channels to safeguard civil liberties amidst growing state overreach.

    International Scrutiny and Continued Protests

    Despite local and international outcry, Odhiambo expressed disappointment at the muted response from the international community.

    “Are you proud of what is happening in Kenya?” she challenged, urging global stakeholders to condemn human rights abuses unequivocally.

    Meanwhile, protests continue unabated across Kenya, with citizens defiantly demanding accountability and policy reversals from the government.

    Odhiambo’s steadfast support for these protests underscores her belief in the power of collective action and civil disobedience as tools for democratic change.

    A Leader Against All Odds

    Faith Odhiambo

    Elected as the 51st president of the LSK after a competitive campaign, Odhiambo’s tenure has been marked by her willingness to confront powerful interests and uphold the principles of justice and fairness.

    Her election victory, beating five other candidates, reflects widespread confidence in her ability to lead during tumultuous times.

    As the second woman to helm the LSK after Raychelle Omamo, Odhiambo’s presidency signifies a broader shift towards inclusivity and gender equity within Kenya’s legal profession.

    Her leadership style, characterized by resilience and strategic litigation, has earned her praise as a formidable advocate for legal reform and human rights protection.

    Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

    As the protests persist and legal battles continue, Faith Odhiambo remains undeterred in her quest for justice.

    The coming days will test her resolve and the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions.

    Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future discourse on governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Kenya.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Faith Odhiambo’s presidency of the Law Society of Kenya has been defined by her unwavering commitment to defending protestors’ rights and challenging governmental overreach.

    Amidst growing challenges, her leadership serves as a testament to the enduring power of legal advocacy in safeguarding democracy and human dignity.