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Lawyer Levi Munyeri says her role on the panel, appointed by President Ruto, creates a conflict of interest and duplicates human rights work, threatening court action if she won’t step down.
Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-05 22:30 EAT. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo is under pressure to quit after accepting a government appointment to co-chair a panel on compensating victims of protest violence, with lawyer Levi Munyeri threatening legal action if she stays on.
Munyeri argues Odhiambo’s role compromises LSK independence and duplicates work of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). He vowed to petition the courts unless she resigns. Status: dispute escalating; no case filed yet.
Sept 4: Odhiambo sworn in as co-chair of panel appointed by President William Ruto.
Panel mandate: Fast-track reparations for victims of recent anti-government protests.
Past precedent: Odhiambo declined 2024 debt audit taskforce role citing constitutional limits.
LSK Constitution: Guards autonomy from executive influence; office bearers expected to uphold independence.
Existing Institutions: KNCHR already empowered under the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act to handle rights violations.
Panel Legality: Critics question need for ad hoc bodies alongside statutory agencies.
Munyeri: “It is a personal decision for Faith Odhiambo to serve Ruto in an unconstitutional panel,” press statement, 2025-09-05.
Odhiambo: “My focus will remain on the victims…with full transparency,” Nairobi, 2025-09-04.
LSK members: Divided; some see conflict, others support legal expertise on panel.
Appointment gazetted Sept 3, 2025.
Panel to deliver recommendations within 90 days.
Victim compensation fund size undisclosed; Treasury consultations ongoing.
Governance: LSK independence vs state collaboration debate intensifies.
Legal: Possible court test on professional conflicts of interest.
Politics: Opposition may weaponize dispute in broader anti-government narratives.
Whether Munyeri will file petition before panel completes work.
Panel’s final compensation recommendations.
LSK Council’s internal stance on Odhiambo’s dual roles.
2025-09-03: Appointment announced.
2025-09-04: Odhiambo sworn in; panel begins work.
2025-09-05: Munyeri demands resignation, threatens court action.
LSK Council emergency meetings or official resolutions.
Panel findings on protest reparations due in 90 days.
Any High Court petitions challenging Odhiambo’s role.
