Why we declined to be part of victims' compensation panel - Activists Hanifa Adan, Hussein Khalid

Even as Kenyans continue to give out mixed reactions on the decision by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo to accept the appointment as the Vice Chairperson for the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots, rights activists Hussein Khalid and Hanifa Adan have emerged to reveal that they declined to be part of that body despite getting invitations.

The Eastleigh Voice learnt that Hussein, who is the Executive Director of Vocal Africa, was contacted to be part of the team that will oversee the compensation of the victims of protests, but he declined because he believes it was unconstitutional and ill-formed.

"It is true that I was invited to be part of that body, but I declined. I respectfully refused to be part of it because I know it's against the law and that President William Ruto is not committed to justice," he claimed.

Hussein could have been reached out over his role in ensuring that protesters who were killed went through a post-mortem to reveal the nature and cause of their deaths.

"I understand how most of the victims who lost their lives were killed. I do not want to be part of what I believe will not deliver justice to them," Hussein said.

Hanifa, on her part, claimed that she was also invited to be part of the team but declined.

"For the record, Hussein Khalid and I were actually approached to join the committee, and we both declined. I even sat down with the families and explained my reasons. They wanted me there, but I couldn't, for obvious reasons," said Hanifa.

Hanifa went further to claim that nothing President William Ruto's administration does will be for the help of the victims.

"My only concern has always been for the families, and I would never want to gaslight anyone," said Hanifa.

The two did not disclose who invited them to be part of the team, only noting that it was those who were heading the framework.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo, however, defended her decision to accept the appointment.

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

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

A section of Kenyans on social media platforms expected her to reject the appointment, lest it become a betrayal of 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.

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• Hanifa Adan
• activist hanifa adan
• LSK President Faith Odhiambo
• activist Hussein Khalid
• Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid
• Victims’ Compensation Fund
• Protest Compensation
• Framework for Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots
• Why we declined to be part of victims' compensation panel - Activists Hanifa Adan
• Hussein Khalid

"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.

She assured Kenyans that she won't let them down, and the bloodshed by the victims won't be in vain.

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

"The Panel of Experts that I joined 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."

She assured that her solemn duty will be to deliver justice to the victims and the common mwananchi.

In 2024, Odhiambo turned down 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 body noted that the task force was unconstitutional since the mandate to conduct public audits rests with the office of the Auditor General.

LSK pointed out that 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 task force," LSK said.