Faith Odhiambo, the 51st President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has been dubbed “the only working president” by netizens on X. This is due to her vocal advocacy for the safety of people arrested or abducted by suspected statesmen during the chaotic maandamano period.
This determined leader has made her predecessors seem inactive, especially with her rejection of President Ruto’s appointment to the National Debt Audit Committee. In contrast, the controversial nominated senator Karen Nyamu, loyal to the president, could not comprehend this rejection.
Born to a lecturer at Maseno University, here are five things you should know about Faith Odhiambo:
Education
She holds an LLB (Hons) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
And an LLM (Hons) in International Commercial Law with European Law from the University of Kent (UK).
Odhiambo is a PhD student at the University of Nairobi, focusing on competition law, consumer protection law, telecommunications law, banking law, financial services, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution.
Multilingual
Born on the 23rd of February, 1986, the 38-year-old is fluent in French, so much so she could charm the socks off a croissant!
She also speaks basic Arabic and Italian, and is fluent in Luo, Swahili, and English.
LSK President Win
Odhiambo won the LSK President seat with 3,113 votes, beating her closest opponent Wanyama, who garnered 2,165 votes. Kamende came in third with 888 votes, followed by Ng’etich with 833 votes, and Mboche with 511 votes.
Odhiambo succeeded Eric Theuri, who served as president from March 2022.
She is the second female president after Raychelle Omamo, who led the LSK from 2001 to 2003.
Work
Odhiambo is a partner at Ombok and Owuor LLP Advocates and a consulting partner at MMA Advocates. She specializes in litigation, corporate and commercial law, telecommunications law, and competition law.She is a member of the Law Society of Kenya. And a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators-UK (MCIarb) and a Certified Public Secretary (CPS).
She also lectures at the University of Nairobi’s School of Law
She worked at the Competition Authority of Kenya, as a legal advisor on issues related to trade practices, mergers, and consumer protection.
Faith Odhiambo also served as board secretary of the Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya (FIDA-Kenya).
She has worked on research and advisory projects about competition in mobile financial services and spectrum management in Kenya.
Husband and Family
Faith Odhiambo is married to her beloved husband, Caleb Odhiambo. They have two children: a son and a daughter.
By Vivian K.