President Ruto Forms Panel to Oversee Compensation of Protest Victims

President William Ruto has appointed a 15-member Panel of Experts to oversee and facilitate the compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests. The team will be chaired by the President’s Constitutional Advisor, Professor Makau Mutua, while Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo will serve as the vice-chairperson.

Other members of the panel include Kennedy N. Ogeto, Dr. Duncan Ojwang, Naini Lankas, Dr. Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.

In addition, a technical team has been established to provide support to the panel. Richard Barno and Dr. Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda will serve as co-technical leads, while Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Dr. Raphael Ng’etich will act as joint secretaries. The panel is expected to work with state agencies, civil society and stakeholders to document, assess and process claims from victims who suffered injuries, loss of life or destruction of property during public protests.

Kenya has in recent months witnessed waves of demonstrations over high taxes, cost of living and governance issues. While many were peaceful, some turned violent, resulting in deaths, injuries and destruction of businesses and infrastructure. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over police use of force and called for justice for victims.

By establishing this framework, the government aims to provide redress to affected citizens, restore public trust and encourage peaceful avenues for expressing dissent.