LSK boss Odhiambo and others appointed to panel tasked with recruiting KNCHR chair

President William Ruto has appointed Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo and seven others to a selection panel tasked with recruiting nominees for the position of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The move follows the death of former KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odhiambo Odede in January this year.

Odede, a prominent human rights defender, passed away after a short illness.

In a gazette notice dated April 8, 2025, President Ruto invoked section 11(1) of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act to constitute the panel.

The selection process will follow the procedure set out in section 11(2) of the same Act.

The appointed panel members are Joe Ager, Lawrence Muiruri, Jackline Nekesa Makokha, Dr. Irene Cherotich Asienga, Kathurima Hiram Kirimi, and Catherine Wameyo.

Under paragraph (b) of the Act, the President also appointed LSK President Faith Odhiambo and Prof. Kenneth Wyne Mutuma.

These eight individuals will be responsible for identifying and presenting suitable nominees to fill the position left vacant after the passing of Odede.

The appointment of Faith Odhiambo, a leading voice in legal and human rights circles, comes at a time when the Commission is under pressure to maintain its independence and credibility.

Prof. Kenneth Wyne Mutuma, also named in the panel, is a respected academic and legal expert.

Odede was appointed KNCHR Chairperson in 2021 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. She was an advocate of the High Court and previously served as chairperson of the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board.

She was known for her bold stance on human rights issues. Her final official duty was on December 26, 2024, when she issued a statement addressing the state of human rights in the country.

Her leadership saw the Commission speak out on issues such as police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the shrinking space for civil society.

Odede's death left a vacuum in the leadership of the Commission.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights plays a key role in promoting and protecting human rights in the country.

The Chairperson of the Commission is a central figure in steering its direction and ensuring its work remains independent and impactful.

The law outlines that the selection panel must invite applications, shortlist candidates, and forward the names of the nominees to the President for appointment.

The nominees are then vetted by Parliament before being confirmed.