The board and secretariat of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) are deeply devastated by the untimely passing of comrade Roseline Doreen Adhiambo Odede.
Until her demise on January 3, 2024, comrade Odede was the chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), a constitutional commission.
We extend our heartfelt condolences and solidarity to her family, friends, and colleagues at KNCHR during this time of great loss.
Her passing comes at a critical moment when Kenya continues to face gross human rights violations and abuses.
Commissioner Odede provided prolific political leadership in addressing these challenges, working tirelessly in partnership with the human rights movement. Her loss is a significant blow to the nation.
In her acceptance speech during her swearing-in as the KNCHR's chairperson at the Supreme Court on March 3, 2022, Commissioner Odede declared: “Under my leadership, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights will remain key in reaffirming the commitment of our country towards protecting the sovereignty of the people of Kenya, securing the observance of democratic values and principles by all State organs, and promoting constitutionalism.”
True to her word, Commissioner Odede showed reliable commitment and exceptional leadership throughout her tenure. Under her watch, KNCHR and KHRC, key state and civic actors within the justice and human rights movement, respectively, deepened their partnership and amplified their collective actions in addressing emerging societal injustices.
As we mourn and celebrate her life, we urge all Kenyans to remain resolute in defending and upholding human rights. We also remind the Ruto regime of its constitutional obligations to protect citizens. The regime must immediately cease abductions and other atrocities that Commissioner Odede and many of us have fought against.
Comrade and Commissioner Odede, you fought a good fight in the face of unprecedented political adversities. May your legacy inspire us to continue our joint struggle for a human rights state and society.
Rest in power.
Davinder Lamba, KHRC board chairperson
Davis Malombe, KHRC executive director
Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is a premier and flagship non-governmental organization (NGO) in Africa with a mandate of enhancing human rights-centered governance at all levels. Our vision is a society of free people, and our mission is to root human dignity, freedoms, and social justice in Kenya and beyond.