Faith Odhiambo honoured by Commonwealth Lawyers Association for her defence of Gen Z protestors
The Rule of Law Award, presented biennially at the Commonwealth Law Conference, honours jurists who promote the rule of law and human rights within the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association has feted Law Society of Kenya President Faith Mony Odhiambo with the Commonwealth Law Conference (CLC) Rule of Law Award 2025 in recognition of her unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.
In a citation, the association’s Treasurer Maria Mbeneka said Faith has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, notably during the 2024 Gen Z inspired anti-tax protests where she tirelessly advocated for the safety of protestors and demanded the release of those who were arrested and abducted, adding that her dedication to justice has earned her the admiration and respect of not just her peers but that of the public as well.
“Faith’s journey in the legal field is a story of ambition, resilience, and steadfast dedication to the principles of justice. From her early years, Faith was driven by a burning passion to fight for the vulnerable and to advance the rights of women. Inspired by the TV series “The Practice,” she set her sights on becoming a lawyer, a path she pursued with relentless determination,” she added.
“Faith persevered with determination and encouragement from her family. In 2004, she joined the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, where she honed her natural advocacy skills. Upon completion of her LLB she acquired her Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and an LLM (Hons) in International Commercial Law from the University of Kent, UK. Faith is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Nairobi, a testament to her dedication to becoming an even more accomplished legal mind.”
Mbeneka noted that her advocacy for human rights took root early in her career, where she dedicated herself to fighting for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed.
“Faith’s passion for justice led her to take on numerous leadership roles, including serving on the Young Lawyer’s Committee and as Board Secretary for FIDA Kenya, where she championed the rights of women and children. Her tireless efforts in this arena laid the foundation for her rise to prominence in the legal community,” Mbeneka added.
When she was elected as the 51st President of the LSK, Faith became the 2nd female President of the Law Society, in its over 100 year history after Raychelle Omamo (2001-2003), a feat Mbeneka said many will agree is pivotal in the legal profession in Kenya and across Africa.
“She took over leadership of a large demographic of young lawyers whose aspirations as legal professionals is facing significant challenges such as growth opportunities, technology and challenges to the Rule of Law. She has also taken over a Law Society that has to grapple with expansion of its own infrastructure which has for a long time stalled due to limited resources. At the LSK, her vision includes fostering positive change for young lawyers, enhancing advocacy standards, and completing the LSK building project to improve the advocacy infrastructure,” said Mbeneka.
Faith, who also teaches at the University of Nairobi, has held several leadership positions, including serving on the Law Society Council as both Nairobi Representative and Vice President.
Her leadership style, rooted in selfless service and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by advocates evidenced by her actions in leading the bar leadership and its members to challenge the arbitrary arrests, abductions and/or killing of citizens, has enabled her to highlight the need to uphold the rule of law and maintain vigilance in protecting the rights of all Kenyans.
Mbeneka added that her work to unify and stabilise the LSK has fostered a progressive and inclusive legal community. Faith’s commitment to justice, despite challenges, inspires those who believe in the law’s power to transform.
Having been awarded the 2024, International jurist of the Year award by the International Commission of Jurists, the ICJ recognised her inspirational work in fighting for “greater justice, fairness, and equality the courts and in the communities.”
The Rule of Law Award, presented biennially at the Commonwealth Law Conference, honours jurists who promote the rule of law and human rights within the Commonwealth. This year’s conference will take place from 6th-10th April in Malta.
Faith becomes the second Kenyan to be bestowed with the award, the other winner being Senior Counsel Paul Muite, who also served as LSK President in 1990-91, during which he was at the forefront in fighting Kanu era impunity and the push for a return to multi-party democracy.
