Kenyans who have suffered during demonstrations and public protests may soon see a change after the government set up a special team to handle their compensation.
The decision was made official through a Gazette Notice where President William Ruto confirmed the formation of a 15-member Panel of Experts that will take charge of the process.
The panel will be chaired by Constitutional Advisor Professor Makau Mutua, while the Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo Mony has been named as the vice-chairperson.
Other members of the team are Kennedy N. Ogeto, Dr Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Dr Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.
To strengthen operations, a technical team will be led by Richard Barno, supported by Dr Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda as Co-Technical Lead, while Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Dr Raphael Ng’etich will serve as joint secretaries.
The panel has been tasked with creating a clear framework that can identify, verify, and support victims of protests.
This includes working with data and evidence from trusted institutions such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and the Ministry of Health.
Their work will also involve recommending appropriate reparations and, in cases where there is evidence, pushing for prosecutions and accountability through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
To ensure fairness, the team will consult families of victims, civil society groups, religious organisations, and other stakeholders.
This engagement is meant to make the process transparent and inclusive so that no group feels left out. The panel has been given 120 days to complete its work, though this period can be extended through a new Gazette Notice if needed.
President Ruto stated, “In the discharge of its mandate, the Panel shall have the power to access information and records from any State organ or public office subject to law, as well as require the attendance of any person or institution to provide information or documents.” This power is expected to give the panel the authority it needs to gather information without obstruction.
Funding for the scheme will follow the Public Finance Management Act and other laws, with a strong emphasis on accountability. Payments will be made through traceable and auditable channels, while the panel is also required to keep full records for independent audits.
In addition, it will publish anonymised statistics and progress reports so that the public remains informed.This initiative marks an important step in addressing the suffering linked to protests.
While its success will depend on the execution, the fact that a structured approach is being put in place offers hope to those who have long waited for justice and recognition.
