Ruto Appoints Panel to Oversee Compensation of Protest Victims

A file photo of President William Ruto

President William Ruto has appointed a Panel of Experts to investigate and make recommendations on compensation for victims of demonstrations, public protests and riots.

The appointment, published in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated August 25, follows a Presidential Proclamation issued on August 6.

According to the notice, the panel is expected to design a framework that will verify, investigate and document victims affected by excessive use of force during protests, as well as recommend possible reparations.

“The Government acknowledges its legal and social responsibility to protect and secure the human rights, freedoms, and public authorities as guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution,” the Gazette notice stated.

Makau Mutua will serve as the Principal Co-ordinator and Chairperson, while Faith Odhiambo has been named Vice-Chairperson.

The Technical Lead will be Richard Barno, supported by Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda as Co-Technical Lead and Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Raphael Ng’etich as the joint secretaries.

Other members of the panel include Kennedy N. Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, John Olukuru, Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.

The notice emphasised the panel’s broad mandate, which includes engaging families of victims, human rights groups, and relevant government agencies to ensure a fair compensation process.

“The panel shall engage with relevant stakeholders to understand the nature and extent of the violations and to ensure inclusivity and fairness in the compensation process,” the Gazette added.

In carrying out its work, the panel has been granted powers to access information from state organs, summon institutions or individuals to provide evidence, constitute working groups, and even convene public inquiries.

“The panel shall have the power to co-opt technical experts, consultants, and technical resource persons,” the Gazette explained.

Beyond recommending reparations, the experts are also tasked with advising on preventive measures to minimise violent protests in future.

They will also authenticate data on victims from IPOA, KNCHR, the National Police Service, the Ministry of Health, and civil society; and, where evidence warrants, recommend prosecutions or accountability measures to the ODPP and other oversight bodies.

“The panel shall offer an opinion on new preventive measures to forestall protests and ensure public order and safety,” the notice read.

The team is expected to deliver interim reports and a final report within 120 days, though the timeline may be extended through another Gazette notice.

Its Secretariat will be based at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Ground Floor.