CLA News / Citation for Faith Mony Odhiambo – 7th Commonwealth Law Conference Rule of Law Award 2025
In recognition of her unwavering commitment to justice and human rights, Faith Mony Odhiambo is hereby honored with the CLC Rule of Law Award 2025.
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. 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.
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.
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.
When Faith was elected as the 51st President of the LSK, she became the 2nd female President of the Law Society, in its over 100 year history. A feat which 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.
Faith 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.
Her work to unify and stabilize the Law Society 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 Norwegian ambassador, Gunnar Andreas Holm, hailed Kenya’s vibrant democracy and emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression and civic space to ensure those in power are held accountable. He stated, “Kenya’s vibrant democracy is one of its greatest strengths. Like any other democracy, it requires continuous care and vigilance. The civic space must be protected by all, and the freedoms of expression and association, as well as access to information, are vital to holding those in power accountable and enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in shaping their future.”
Kenya’s democracy, much like that of the broader Commonwealth, is celebrated for its vibrancy and commitment to safeguarding freedoms of expression and civic space. Adherence to the Latimer House Principles ensures that all branches of government—Judiciary, Executive, and Parliament—operate with accountability and transparency. These principles are essential in protecting these freedoms, ensuring that those in power are held accountable, and enabling citizens to actively participate in shaping their future. Continuous vigilance is necessary to maintain the democratic values that empower individuals to voice their opinions and contribute to the nation’s development.
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. Faith’s leadership at the Law Society of Kenya and her dedication to human rights make her a deserving recipient of this award.
Faith’s journey demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the pursuit for justice in a world where equality and liberty are continually challenged. Faith’s contributions to the legal profession and her dedication to service have significantly impacted the legal community and beyond. Her achievements highlight the importance of advocating for justice and the influential role of the law.
She has inspired and will continue to inspire those who came before her and on whose shoulders she stands, driving forward the ideals that have been fought for, to liberate and advocate for democracy; and to those following closely in her footsteps to continue believing and affirming that we are all responsible for ensuring that the rule of law prevails above all else.
Congratulations to Faith on this honour. Her leadership and commitment to justice inspire us all to pursue a fairer and more just society.
Maria Mbeneka
Treasurer, Commonwealth Lawyers Association
