The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Roseline Odhiambo Odede has died after a short illness.

In a statement issued by KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris on Saturday January 4, 2024, the commission expressed its deep sense of loss, describing Ms. Odede’s passing as a blow to both the human rights agency and the nation at large.

“It is with shock and deep sorrow that I inform you of the demise of Roseline Odhiambo Odede, HSC, Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, that happened yesterday, Friday 3rd January, 2025, after a short illness,” read part of the statement. 

Ms. Roseline Odede was the Chairperson of KNCHR, whose mandate is to protect and promote Human Rights in Kenya. 

KNCHR is also responsible for offering advisories to the Government and reporting obligations to several International bodies and organisations. 

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

Ms. Roseline 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 had 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. 

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

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