KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede dies

KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede is dead. [Standard, File]

The Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Roseline Odede, has died following a short illness.

Commission’s Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris confirmed the news in a statement on X.

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

He described her death as a significant loss to both the Commission and the nation.

Odede previously served as the Vice Chairperson of the Judges, Magistrates and Vetting Board.

She also held numerous leadership roles in various professional organizations, including the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, East Africa Law Society, Law Society of Kenya and FIDA Kenya.

Leaders from across the country have since have sent a message of condolence to the family and friends of the bereaved.

"She was a formidable human rights champion and a distinguished campaigner for a more equal and fairer society. Our thoughts and love are with the family at this sorrowful moment," wrote President William Ruto on X.

"Roseline was a profound and dedicated legal professional and an unapologetic advocate for the rights and freedoms of all people. She believed in the transformative power of liberty and worked hard throughout her career for the improvement of democracy, the rule of law and human rights," Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said.