A fierce public debate has erupted in Kenya, centered not on a political policy, but on a single appointment: the inclusion of Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo on a presidential panel. Named to the Presidential Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots, Odhiambo's acceptance was met with immediate backlash from some citizens and media outlets who feared it was a betrayal of her mission to pursue justice. The core argument was that by joining a government-mandated body, she would compromise her ability to critique state actions and advocate for victims of human rights violations.
However, the conversation took a sharp turn when the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) issued a strong statement, directly condemning what it termed as "attacks" against the LSK president. The MCK's position was clear and direct: certain sections of the media were vilifying Odhiambo and succumbing to the pressure of "mob justice." The Council argued that casting doubt on her performance before she has even begun her work is not only "premature" and "cynical" but also "counterproductive."
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The MCK’s statement went further, suggesting that the media’s pressure on Odhiambo to reject the appointment limits the LSK’s role to one of pure opposition, ignoring its "vital potential to improve governance from within." This is a powerful critique of a certain brand of journalism that views any form of collaboration as a compromise. The Council believes that such a stance is not constructive and undermines the very fabric of "collaborative progress." The message is clear: true progress requires engagement, not just criticism from the sidelines.
For her part, Faith Odhiambo has been resolute in her decision. During the panel's swearing-in, she directly addressed the public's concerns, assuring Kenyans that her mission to ensure justice remains at the forefront. She affirmed that her acceptance of the role would not "blind her mission," and that access to criminal justice remains critical in her quest to protect human rights and the rule of law.
