A Tribute to a Visionary Leader delivered by Dr. Raymond Nyeris, Ph.D, Vice Chairperson, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Roseline Doreen Adhiambo Odede, Chairperson – Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Fellow Mourners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. It is with profound sorrow and immense respect that I stand before you today, representing the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), to honor a Lady whose legacy transcends the confines of this gathering. Indeed, the KNCHR family feels the pain and sadness of losing their chairperson who is the head of the institution.
2. Your presence here today is testament to the profound impact Roseline Odede had on individuals, institutions and communities. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights fraternity thanks you all most sincerely for standing in solidarity with her family and with us as we honor her life and legacy.
3. On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and Staff Members of the Commission, I extend our heartfelt Condolences as we commemorate the life of an extraordinary leader, mentor, and friend, Roseline Doreen Adhiambo Odede. Her passing on is an irreplaceable loss, but her enduring legacy remains a source of inspiration to us.
A Visionary Human Rights Defender
Fellow Mourners,
4. Our late Chairperson was a trailblazer for human rights, social justice and equality for all. She was visionary, bold, articulate, astute, compassionate and a passionate leader who touched and transformed peoples’ lives. She represented the Commission with dedication and excellence nationally and globally.
5. When Roseline assumed the role of Chairperson at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) in February 2022, she became the fourth (4 th) substantive individual to hold this esteemed position. She brought an unwavering vision of a Kenya where justice, equity, human rights and human dignity are the birthrights of all.
6. Madam Roseline Odede’s leadership of exactly Two (2) years and Ten (10) Months at KNCHR was nothing short of transformative. She recognized that human rights are not merely abstract ideals but lived realities that require constant vigilance, advocacy, and action. Under her stewardship, the Commission emerged as a beacon of hope for millions of Kenyans.
7. She believed in the power of teamwork and fostered an environment of mutual respect and shared responsibility. By delegating tasks and nurturing talent within the Commission, she empowered her team to excel and innovate on matters human rights.
8. While serving as her Vice Chairperson, I found her to be gentle yet firm, a mentor for many, a go-getter who went for whatever she wanted done without fear. She was assertive and often endeavored to provide honest advice to the state while discharging the oversight role of the Commission on matters human rights.
Advocating for Human Rights on a Global Stage
Ladies and Gentlemen,
9. Madam Roseline Odede’s influence extended far beyond Kenya’s borders. She was a formidable representative of the Commission at both the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). Her advocacy highlighted the strides we have made in promoting human rights on the global and regional stage.
10. Under her leadership, KNCHR played a pivotal role in advising the Government to ensure Kenya’s compliance with international human rights reporting obligations. Roseline’s guidance was both insightful and impactful. She championed the rights of the marginalized, the oppressed, and the voiceless, ensuring that no Kenyan was left behind.
A Career Steeped in Justice, Service and Social Advocacy
11. Roseline’s service to our nation was multifaceted with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. She was an active member of critical agencies that shaped Kenya’s legal and governance landscape. Her legal expertise and unwavering commitment to justice gained her respect and admiration both locally and internationally.
12. Her pro-bono work in human rights litigation earned her the prestigious Head of State Commendation (HSC). This recognition was a testament to her selflessness and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of justice. Regionally, the East Africa Law Society honored her for her distinguished service, acknowledging her as a role model and a pioneer in the legal profession. Those in the legal field can attest to that especially those practicing in Eldoret.
A Compassionate and Inclusive Leader Ladies and Gentlemen,
13. What truly set Madam Roseline Odede apart was her compassion. She led with her heart as much as with her mind, always seeking to uplift those around her. Her humility and warmth endeared her to colleagues, partners, and beneficiaries alike. She treated everyone she encountered with dignity and respect, embodying the very principles she fought to uphold.
14. Her tenure at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights was characterized by a commitment to inclusivity. She believed in the power of diverse perspectives and worked tirelessly to create an institutional culture where every voice mattered. This ethos extended to her engagement with the public, where she prioritized listening and understanding the needs of the communities she served.
A Legacy of Inspiration
15. Roseline’s impact at KNCHR is immeasurable. Her courage, wisdom, and compassion guided the Commission through critical moments, ensuring that it remained steadfast in its mission to protect and promote human rights. Her legacy is a roadmap for those who follow in her footsteps, a reminder of what is possible when one dedicates themselves fully to the service of others.
16. Her passing leaves a void not only within the Commission but also in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Yet, as we grieve, we are also filled with gratitude for the time we shared with her and the lessons she imparted.
Honoring her Service, Legacy and Memory
17. As we bid farewell to Madam Roseline Doreen Adhiambo Odede, we at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights commit to preserving and advancing her vision.
18. Leaving a legacy is more than what we leave behind. It is about the impact we have on the lives of others and the world around us. Her life was a testament to the transformative power of dedication, integrity, and compassion. It is now our responsibility to ensure that her work lives on and that her dream of a just and equitable society becomes a reality.
19. The best way to honor the late Roseline legacy is to CARRY ON from where she left. My promise to you, to the country, to our partners, civil society, donors and all stakeholders is that we will carry on with the work that Roseline was doing. We will pick up from where she left.
20. She was speaking the truth to those in power and that’s what we shall continue doing, speaking the truth to power, calling upon State agencies to be accountable to their actions and demanding respect for the rule of law and human rights. She was lobbying for more resources for the Commission and we shall continue urging parliament to allocate adequate resources to enable the Commission to perform its Constitutional mandate.
21. The recent spate of abductions and enforced disappearances must come to an end. That will be the best way to honor her legacy. We will honor her by promoting good governance, upholding the rule of law and embracing the culture of human rights observance.
22. As a demonstration of honor to her legacy, the State should not condone transnational repression, instead it should undertake its obligations under International law to respect, protect and fulfill human rights for all including the rights for refugees and those seeking asylum in all parts of our country.
23. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) pledges its unwavering commitment to the people of Kenya, to fulfilling our mandate of promoting and protecting Human rights. In collaboration with relevant institutions, we will at all times endeavor to stay on course in defense of the bill of rights.
24. The Commission will live up to its watchdog role to ensure our country is build based on the rule of law. We will continue demanding for answers and accountability from the state as she always did. A Burning Candle in the Wind Fellow Mourners,
25. As I conclude I have a word for the family. Take heart and be strong. Losing a loved one is very painful. Be encouraged by words from 1 st Kings 2:2–4, David gave his son Solomon this advice as his last words before he died, “I am about to go, THE WAY OF ALL THE EARTH, so be strong.”
26. On behalf of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), I once again extend our heartfelt condolences to her dear family, friends, relatives and her legal fraternity colleagues. Our hearts are heavy, but our resolve to honor her legacy remains steadfast.
27. Our leader and friend Roseline Odede was indeed, a light that shone brightly even amidst challenges. May her memory inspire us all to strive for a world where justice, equity, and human rights prevail.
28. Rest in eternal peace, Roseline Odede. You will forever remain a beacon of hope and a symbol of what it means to lead with integrity and compassion.
Fare Thee Well Roseline!
You will always remain to us, a burning candle in the wind.
Thank You All.