Ruto appoints Faith Odhiambo's replacement in compensation panel
National
By
Jacinta Mutura
| Nov 04, 2025
President William Ruto has appointed the chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Claris Awuor Ogangah as the vice–chairperson of the Panel of experts on compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests.
Ogangah will replace the president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Faith Odhiambo who resigned from the position on October 6, 2025.
A Gazette notice dated November 4, 2025 stated that appointment takes effect immediately. Ogangah joins the 14-member panel of experts tasked by President Ruto to facilitate compensation of the victims of protests.
“His Excellency the President has appointed Claris Awuor Ogangah–Onyango as the Vice-Chairperson of the Panel of Experts with effect from the November 4, 2025. The appointment of the Vice-Chairperson vide Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025 is revoked,” read the gazette notice signed by the Chief of Staff and head of Public service Felix Koskei.
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The appointment comes about a month after Ogangah was sworn in as the new Chairperson of the KNCHR.
Ogangah’s appointment comes amid mounting criticism from the legal fraternity and human rights organisations over the legitimacy of the selection panel.
Several rights groups have rejected the team chaired by Professor Makau Mutua, arguing that its mandate encroaches upon and undermines the constitutional role of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The LSK president resigned after facing criticism from sections of legal fraternity and human rights sector over the unconstitutional establishment of the tram.
In her resignation letter, the LSK president cited lack of progress, ongoing legal challenges, and the expiry of the panel’s mandate.
Meanwhile, president Ruto appointed a selection panel for the recruitment of the chairperson of the Public Service Commission after the expiry of the six-year term of the commission’s chairperson.
The selection panel include Arthur Osiya, Jane Joram, Prof Nura Mohammed, Sylvester Ngei Kiini, Ruth Wambeti Ruraa, Nancy Oundo Dalla and Elizabeth Chesang.
Further following the forthcoming lapse of the 6-year term of the members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen appointed a selection panel to fill the vacant position positions.
“DECLARE impending vacancies in the position of Chairperson and seven Members of the Commission with effect from the 17th November, 2025,” Murkomen stated.
The selection panel consists of Dr. Reuben Chirchir, Dr. Reuben Chirchir, Pauline Mcharo, Rtd Col Alfred Mshimba, Michael Nzomo Mbithuka and Retired justice Hannah Okwengu.
Other appointments include that of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who named Shimala Necheza Leonard as a member of the Kenya Revenue Authority Board for a three-year term.