TRIBUTE: Commissioner Roseline Odhiambo Odede

We gather here today with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a woman whose life and legacy have left an indelible mark on our hearts, our institutions, and our country. Commissioner Roseline Odhiambo Odede, HSC, was not just a colleague or a leader; she was a force of nature—bold, courageous, and unwavering in her commitment to justice, equality, and women’s rights.

Commissioner Roseline performed different functions at the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya). First, she was a very active member and then got elected to the board because of the members’ confidence. She served the board as a member from 2016 to 2018 and then as the Upcountry Representative (Western Region) from 2018 to 2020. Thereafter, she registered as a life member of the organization. Her presence in the different organs of the organization has been truly transformative.

Secondly, Commissioner Roseline was an active member of the FIDA House Committee, which successfully purchased and acquired the FIDA House. This committee meets weekly at 7 am, and Commissioner Roseline made time despite her busy schedule.

Also, Commissioner Roseline convened the FIDA-Kenya Senior Members Committee, which was tasked with recruiting FIDA-Kenya Senior Members for lifetime membership. Here, she led from the front by paying for life membership, then successfully led two meetings with FIDA-Kenya Senior Bar. Her leadership in this task has seen more senior members become life members of FIDA-Kenya.

At FIDA-Kenya, Commissioner Roseline had an unmatched ability to see the tiniest detail that other members overlooked. Whether it was a question about an item of expenditure or a subtle issue in governance, Her sharp eye and incisive mind ensured that nothing slipped through the cracks. Her wisdom and guidance were instrumental in shaping the direction of FIDA-Kenya, and her leadership inspired us to hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and excellence. As an organization, we remain forever grateful for her dedication, impact, and mentorship.

But Commissioner Roseline was much more than her work. She loved life and lived it fully, embracing every moment with joy, elegance, and grace. She demanded quality, not just in the work she did but in how life was lived. Her passion for excellence was contagious, pushing us to aim higher and improve.

Commissioner Roseline was also profoundly compassionate, always taking time to check on others. She would randomly call staff at the FIDA-Kenya secretariat, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to say hello and ask how they were doing. She had an uncanny ability to connect with people on a personal level, making them feel valued and seen. This ability is a testament to her leadership style. For her, leadership was never just about power or position; it was about care, accountability, and service.

Commissioner Roseline’s fearless advocacy for women’s empowerment and her unwavering commitment to human rights remain a shining example for all of us. She held power to account and championed the rights of the marginalized, always with a bravery that inspired admiration and respect. She left a mark everywhere she served, not through grand gestures but through her dedication, brilliance, and humanity.

To me and all of us at FIDA-Kenya, Commissioner Roseline was not just a leader—she was a friend, a mentor, and a role model. Her presence illuminated every room she entered, and her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.

As we honour her memory today, we are reminded of the immense responsibility she has left us: to carry forward her vision of a just, equitable, and empowered society. This is not just a duty, but a commitment we all share and must uphold with dedication and perseverance.

On behalf of the FIDA-Kenya Board, its members, and the secretariat, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband, Dr. Odede, her daughters Clara and Dianne, her friends, and all who knew her. We stand together in grief, but we also stand together in gratitude for having had the privilege to walk this journey with her.

Commissioner Roseline Odhiambo Odede, your legacy lives on in the lives you touched and the change you championed. Rest in power. You have run your race with excellence, and your legacy will forever inspire us.

Thank you.

Presented by Ms. Christine Kungu, Chairperson, FIDA-Kenya Board on January 16, 2025 at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi.