PRESIDENT RUTO APPOINTS PANEL TO OVERSEE COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF PROTESTS AND RIOTS

President William Ruto has established a panel of experts to spearhead the compensation process for individuals affected by demonstrations, public protests, and riots across Kenya. In a Gazette Notice issued on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the President directed the newly formed panel to implement his directive by creating a comprehensive framework for identifying, verifying, and supporting victims.

The 15-member panel will be chaired by Professor Makau Mutua, the President’s Constitutional Advisor, with Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo serving as Vice-Chair. Other members include Kennedy Ogeto, Houston Irungu of Amnesty International Kenya, Dr. John Olukuru, Rev. Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Dr. Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Dr. Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.

The panel’s technical team will be led by Richard Barno, supported by Dr. Duncan Okelo Ndeda as Co-Technical Lead. Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Dr. Raphael Ng’etich will serve as Joint Secretaries. The panel’s responsibilities include developing an operational framework to verify and categorize victims, validating data from key institutions such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the National Police Service, and the Ministry of Health, and recommending suitable reparations.

Where sufficient evidence is available, the panel may propose prosecutions and other accountability measures to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The team will also consult with victims’ families, civil society, faith-based organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the compensation process is inclusive, fair, and transparent. The panel is expected to complete its assignment within 120 days from the date of publication, with the possibility of an extension if required.

Funding for the panel and the compensation program will be sourced in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act and other relevant laws. Payments will be made through traceable and auditable channels. The panel is also obligated to maintain proper financial records, facilitate independent audits, and regularly publish anonymized data and progress reports.

The panel’s secretariat will operate from the Ground Floor of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, with official communication to be directed to P.O. Box 30510–0100, G.P.O. Nairobi.