Faith Odhiambo, Irũngũ Houghton step back from compensation committee pending court ruling
In separate statements on Thursday, Odhiambo and Houghton said the move was in accordance with the court orders.
Law Society of Kenya’s Faith Odhiambo and Amnesty International Kenya’s Irũngũ Houghton have said they will not engage in any activities of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests until the court provides further direction.
On Monday, the High Court in Kerugoya temporarily halted the implementation of President William Ruto’s directive to establish a framework for compensating victims of demonstrations and public protests.
More To Read
- Defending justice: LSK to lead nationwide protest to honour slain lawyer Kyalo Mbobu
- LSK sues IEBC, EACC for failure to enforce MPs’ ethics code
- Explainer: Key facts about slain lawyer Mbobu Kyalo
- LSK flags risk of self-regulating county assemblies under new Bill
- LSK condemns killing of advocate Kyalo Mbobu in Nairobi, calls for immediate probe
- Justice and Equity Council backs suspension of Ruto’s compensation panel
Justice Kizito Magare certified the application dated September 5, 2025, as urgent and ordered it to be heard inter partes
“Pending the hearing, the court stayed the commencement of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests and suspended the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, which had appointed the panel to establish a reparations framework,” the order reads.
In separate statements on Thursday, Odhiambo and Houghton said the move was in accordance with the court orders.
“For the avoidance of any public doubt, I immediately suspended my participation in the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Demonstrations in accordance with Monday’s order by the High Court and my respect for the rule of law, constitution and judicial oversight,” Houghton said on his part.
He confirmed that apart from the swearing-in, he has not attended any panel meetings or activities and will await further guidance from the court.
Houghton reaffirmed his call for judicial prosecution of those responsible for unlawful killings, reparations for victims, and measures to prevent the recurrence of brutal policing.
On her side, LSK President emphasised her independence and commitment to justice. “It is my solemn patriotic duty and obligation to respect, uphold, and defend the Constitution of Kenya.”
She stated that she does not work for the government or the opposition but is focused on serving the people of Kenya and supporting her colleagues in the legal fraternity.
“I have not participated in any meetings or engagements with or for the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Riots. I respect the rule of law and abide by the orders given by the High Court,” Odhiambo added.
The LSK president said she will continue to consult widely with victims and survivors and has urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to review what she calls “trumped-up terrorism charges against peaceful protesters.”
She also called for accountability of officers caught using excessive force during demonstrations.
“The Law Society of Kenya will continue providing pro bono legal services to victims of police brutality in ongoing cases nationwide?” Odhiambo added.
The committee of experts on protest victims' compensation was sworn in exactly a week ago.
The 18-member committee is chaired by Prof. Makau Mutua and Odhiambo as the vice chair, and Irungu as a member.
The committee was tasked with facilitating compensation of victims of demonstrations and protests dating back to 2017.
Top Stories Today
