Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Mony Odhiambo has been awarded the esteemed CLC Rule of Law Award 2025.
The award was in recognition of her unwavering dedication to justice and human rights.
CLC Rule of Law Award 2025 organizers said Odhiambo’s relentless efforts in defending the rule of law and advocating for human rights have earned her widespread admiration.
The LSK president rose to prominence during the 2024 Gen Z-inspired anti-tax protests, where she tirelessly defended protestors’ rights and fought for the release of those arrested or abducted.
Her advocacy ensured that the voices of many were heard, reinforcing the importance of upholding democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
Faith Odhiambo’s legal field journey
Odhiambo’s journey in the legal field has been marked by ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Inspired by the TV series The Practice, she pursued a career in law, driven by a deep passion for defending the vulnerable and championing women’s rights.
She earned her LLB from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, followed by a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and an LLM (Hons) in International Commercial Law from the University of Kent, UK. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Nairobi, Odhiambo remains committed to enhancing her legal expertise.
Her early career saw her actively advocating for marginalized communities, a passion that led her to take on key leadership roles. She served on the Young Lawyers’ Committee and as Board Secretary for FIDA Kenya, championing women’s and children’s rights. These efforts laid the foundation for her rise as a prominent legal advocate.
Second LSK female president
Odhiambo’s election as the 51st President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) was a historic moment, making her only the second female president in the organization’s century-long history. She took office at a crucial time when young lawyers faced significant professional challenges, including limited growth opportunities and the evolving role of technology in legal practice. Her leadership has been instrumental in addressing these issues, fostering professional growth, and advocating for better legal infrastructure.
At the LSK, Odhiambo has worked tirelessly to unify and stabilize the organization while advocating for the completion of its long-stalled infrastructure projects. She has also led efforts to challenge arbitrary arrests, abductions, and killings, emphasizing the necessity of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights. Her leadership has strengthened the legal community’s ability to hold those in power accountable.
Odhiambo’s impact extends beyond Kenya. In 2024, she was named International Jurist of the Year by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) for her efforts in promoting justice, fairness, and equality both in the courts and within communities.
The CLC Rule of Law Award is presented biennially at the Commonwealth Law Conference to honour jurists who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the rule of law and human rights within the Commonwealth.
“Faith’s leadership at the Law Society of Kenya and her dedication to human rights make her a deserving recipient of this award,” said Commonwealth Lawyers Association Treasurer Maria Mbeneka.
