A section of lawyers has accused the government of undermining the independence of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) by appointing its President, Faith Odhiambo, to a committee tasked with overseeing compensation for victims of demonstrations, public protests, and riots.
The lawyers argue that Odhiambo’s inclusion in the panel compromises the autonomy of the society and has sparked divisions within its membership.
They claim the appointment risks weakening LSK’s ability to hold the government accountable on issues of justice and human rights.
According to the group, Odhiambo should step down from the committee to safeguard the independence and credibility of the professional body.The committee was recently established by the government to address claims for compensation from individuals and businesses affected by unrest linked to public protests.
However, critics insist that the process must remain free of political influence to ensure fairness and transparency. Lawyers Protest Government Move to Appoint LSK President to Compensation Committee A segment of lawyers has alleged that the government is deliberately sabotaging the independence of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) by appointing its President, Faith Odhiambo, to a panel that will supervise the payout of funds to the victims of demonstrations, public protests, and riots.
The attorneys maintain that the presence of Odhiambo on the board of directors of the society is a breach of the latter’s independence and has triggered a controversy in their ranks.
In addition, they assert that this appointment is surrendering LSK the power to challenge the government on matters of justice and human rights.
They are of the view that Odhiambo should step down from the panel to enhance the status and reputation of the professional body.
The government recently set up the committee to handle complaints for compensation from people and enterprises who suffered during the unrest related to public protests.
The opponents, on the other hand, argue that the procedure must be completely devoid of political interference to achieve impartiality and openness.
