Nairobi, 4 January 2024: The Amnesty family of members, staff, and the board receive the news of Roseline Odede’s demise yesterday with profound sadness. Roseline was a dedicated and capable advocate for human rights and constitutionalism. Since her appointment to chair the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights in 2022, she has been a steadfast ally in the demand for governance by the rule of law and professional, human rights-based policing.
Over the past few years, we have admired her courageous stand with diverse communities against human rights violations in Yala, Nyalenda, Nyando, Shakahola, and during the 2023 cost of living national protests. She confidently encouraged victims of police brutality to seek accountability, called for the truth in the Shakahola massacre, and justice for all victims of violent protest policing. We celebrate her as a compassionate, gentle, yet firm leader when needed. We are honored to have known and stood beside her and the Commission on a number of occasions.
We remember her now and forever in the words of Cynthia McKinney, “We are way more powerful when we turn to each other and not on each other, when we celebrate our diversity… and together tear down the mighty walls of injustice.” Rest in Power Roseline, thank you for your defence of the rights of all Kenyans.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her personal family and her family at the Commission, wishing them comfort during this difficult time.
Signed by:
Dr. Stellah Bosire Irungu Houghton
Amnesty International Kenya Section Chairperson Amnesty International Kenya Section Director