Why LSK President Faith Odhiambo won Jurist of the Year award

The choice of this year's awardee of the Kenyan section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)'s Jurist of the Year Award (JOYA) did not come as a surprise to many, more so the attendees of this year's event, several of whom were already chanting her name in unison as the winner's citation was being read by the awarding committee.

This is the endearment that Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has earned from peers in the judicial sector and amongst Kenyans at large for her efforts in defending human rights in the country, particularly during the June Gen-Z protests where she worked tirelessly with her team to secure the release of protesters while at the same time offering pro bono legal assistance to hundreds of youth who were detained during peaceful protests.

"Her courageous leadership, commitment to social justice, and steadfast dedication to protecting the rights of those in need embody the highest principles of the legal profession. Her significant contributions have not only influenced Kenya's legal landscape but have also sparked a worldwide movement for social justice," the committee noted.

As she walked to the stage to pick her award accompanied by her immediate family members, Odhiambo received a standing ovation on the win that now lists her amongst the top players in the judicial sector whose work has touched the lives of many and left an indelible legacy that will be remembered for years.

"I am deeply humbled to join the distinguished class of recipients of this award before me. Going into 2024, I had a dream. A dream not just to lead the Law Society of Kenya as its second female President, but more so to make an impact and revitalize the society to which I have dedicated so much of my career serving," she said after receiving the award.

Her courage during the protest period saw her call out the police for their acts of brutality that human reports attribute to the loss of over 60 youths.

She also led a case against the then Inspector General of Police for contempt of court orders in the matter that sought the release of Kitengela three who had been held by state agencies incommunicado for 30 days.

"Your work has not only advanced the rule of law but has inspired a new generation of legal minds committed to justice and democracy. On behalf of ICJ-Kenya, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and celebrate your remarkable achievements," the committee told her.

The Jurist of the Year Award is an annual award that seeks to give recognition, acknowledgement and encouragement to jurists who have consistently, fearlessly and impartially promoted the rule of law and human rights in Kenya during the year.

The award has been given out on December 10 each year since 1993 to commemorate and honour the United Nations International Human Rights Day.

It is used as an advocacy tool to motivate jurists who engage in human rights work, the Jurist of the Year Award has no equal in the country.

Odhiambo's contributions to the legal practice and promotion of human rights stretch beyond the bar to class and in the outside world.

When she is not following up on cases or issuing statements on a topic of interest, you will find her issuing talks on various international stages, mentoring emerging lawyers, lecturing law students at the University of Nairobi, studying for her PhD or engaged in alternative disputes resolution, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UK.

Prior to her winning the LSK Presidency, Odhiambo a senior partner at Ombok and Owuor Advocates had held several leadership roles amongst them as board secretary for the Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya.

Her remarkable career wins amongst them being a distinguished lawyer and the 51st President of the Law Society of Kenya having made history as the second woman to hold the prestigious position.

All these and many other efforts led to her recognition as the most impactful woman in Kenya and the 2024 CB Madan Laureate this year for her distinguished legal work.

She was also ranked amongst the top 50 women lawyers in Kenya in 2023 and in 2021 received the LSK Distinguished Service Award.

According to ICJ's assessments, Kenya has had a turbulent year filled with political oppression and heinous human rights violations presented through the disproportionate use of force during protests, arbitrary arrests, abductions, femicide and the disregard of court orders by the political class.

ICJ-Kenya Chairman, Protas Saende, noted that Civil Society Organizations also faced intimidation amid the execution of their mandate, as watchdogs for human rights accountability and political leaders frequently putting their own or their party interests ahead of Kenyans' wishes, causing instability that impedes significant advancements.

"Due to these depressing facts, we must reevaluate where we stand, consider these difficulties, and reaffirm our dedication to upholding democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law in order to create a better Kenya. We should be unwavering in our commitment to defend our rights, make sure that Kenyans continue to hold the reins of power, and hold leaders and others who violate our values accountable," he said.

Gunnar Andreas Holm, the Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, Somalia and the Seychelles noted that Kenya stands on good ground with its quality media, vibrant civil society, engaged citizenry and strong legislation but noted the constant challenge with implementation and the recurring issue of judiciary independence.

"Norway stands firmly with Kenya and East Africans to protect democratic principles understanding that an informed and engaged public is the foundation for accountability, progress and a more just society," he said.