Tributes pour in for KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede
With over 30 years of experience as a litigator in private practice, Odede also provided pro-bono legal services in human rights.
Messages of condolences continue to pour in following the death of Roseline Odede, the chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Odede, who was a renowned champion for human rights, passed away on Friday, January 3, after a short illness.
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Her death has been met with heartfelt tributes from various leaders, including President William Ruto, who described her as a "formidable human rights champion and a distinguished campaigner for a more equal and fairer society."
"Our thoughts and love are with the family at this sorrowful moment. Rest in peace, Roseline," Ruto said in his condolences to Odede's family.
Faith Odhiambo, the vice president of the Law Society of Kenya, described Odede as a level-headed, collaborative partner, recalling their time together at FIDA Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya Council.
"Roseline's tenure as chair of the KNCHR was marked by her exemplary fortitude and commitment to the rule of law and human rights," Odhiambo said.
She said Odede's leadership in defending human rights, despite the country's challenging context, was inspiring.
"Her death is a big loss for the country and the community of human rights defenders. May her soul rest in eternal peace," Odhiambo said.
The Social Justice Centre Working Group also expressed their sorrow, terming Odede a "trailblazer in human rights advocacy" whose dedication to justice and equality would forever inspire them.
"Her unwavering dedication to justice and equality will forever inspire us. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones," the Group said.
Political leaders also joined in mourning Odede's passing.
Rarieda MP Otiende Omollo expressed his sadness, saying, "Quite saddened to learn of the passing-on of KNCHR chair Roselyne Odede.”
"My sister, my constituent, my colleague; you bore this killer disease with courage. Fare thee well, Nyasembo," he added.
"Oh God, our child. What a loss to the nation,” said, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris also extended her condolences.
"We are profoundly saddened by the death of Roseline Odhiambo Odede, chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights," she said.
Passaris acknowledged Odede's enduring legacy as a fierce advocate for human rights and pointed out that her work would continue to inspire future generations.
former president of the Law Society of Kenya Nelson Havi also paid tribute to Odede, describing her as an intelligent and sober legal mind.
"An intelligent, civil, and sober legal mind. May she travel well on the journey that none of us knows about," Havi said.
Odede was an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a certified mediator, an arbitrator, and a social and environmental impact auditor and assessor.
She previously served as the vice chairperson of the Judges, Magistrates, and Vetting Board and was widely recognised as an expert in gender, governance, policy, and human rights.
She earned a master of laws degree from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
With over 30 years of experience as a litigator in private practice, Odede also provided pro-bono legal services in human rights, a commitment that earned her the Head of State Commendation.
Her distinguished legal career was also acknowledged by the East Africa Law Society, a regional organisation, for her exceptional service and practice.
Odede held various leadership roles in several professional associations, including the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, East Africa Law Society, Law Society of Kenya, and FIDA Kenya.
