Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Chair Roseline Odede is Dead

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Roseline Odede is dead.

Commission Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris in a statement on Saturday said Odede died on Friday, January 3 after a short illness.

“It is with shock and deep sorrow that KNCHR informs you all of the demise of Roseline Odhiambo Odede, Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), that happened yesterday, Friday, January 3, 2025 after a short illness,” the statement said.

“Her untimely death is a big blow to the Commission and the Nation at large. As a Commission, we had the privilege of serving with Roseline Odede as the Chairperson at the helm of the KNCHR’s leadership,” Nyeris said in the statement.

“During this period of mourning, we send our message of condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and all those who knew Roseline. May the memories of her exceptional service bring comfort and strength in this difficult time.”

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The KNCHR has requested the public to join in celebrating the life and legacy of their late Chairperson, whose commitment to human rights will continue to inspire the Commission’s work.

KNCHR is a state agency whose mandate includes offering advisories to the Government and reporting obligations to several international bodies and organisations.

Odede was an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Certified Mediator, Arbitrator and Social and Environmental Impact Auditor and Assessor.

She previously served as the Vice Chairperson of the Judges Magistrates and Vetting Board and was a nationally recognised expert in gender, governance, policy, and human rights.

She holds a Master of Laws Degree awarded by the University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, South Africa; and has been a litigator in private practice for over 30 years, during which period she offered pro-bono services in the area of Human Rights, a role for which she has been awarded the Head of State Commendation.

Odede was also specially recognised by the East Africa Law Society, a regional organisation, for distinguished legal practice and service.

She has held several leadership positions in several professional societies, including the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, East Africa Law Society, Law Society of Kenya and FIDA Kenya.

Source: the Star