NAIROBI, Kenya – Families of people killed during police operations and survivors of alleged police brutality have appealed to President William Ruto to intervene in the government’s compensation programme, warning that the November 14 deadline could shut out victims who have yet to submit their claims.
The families and survivors staged a demonstration in Huruma, Nairobi, on Sunday, November 8, accusing the State of failing to address their grievances even as the government prepares to close the window for new applications.
Their appeal comes six days before the deadline announced by the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, chaired by Professor Makau Mutua.
The panel has clarified that November 14 marks the final day for submitting fresh claims, not the deadline for completing payments. Applications received within the stipulated period will still undergo verification and processing.
However, the demonstrators said the approaching cut-off had heightened anxiety among families still seeking recognition, medical assistance and accountability for alleged abuses by security officers.
Mother Still Demands Justice for Daughter Killed in Huruma
Among those who took part in the protest was Caroline Achieng, popularly known as Mama Cheryl, whose 21-year-old daughter, Sheril Adhiambo, was fatally shot in Huruma on February 7, 2026.
Achieng said her daughter was helping her sell fish at their kiosk when she was shot. Months after the incident, she said the family was still waiting for justice.
She claimed that the police officer she believes was responsible for the shooting remained on duty and continued to move around the neighbourhood.
Achieng said repeatedly encountering the officer had made it difficult for her to cope with the loss of her daughter.
“What pains me most is that the officer who killed my Cheryl is still working. I saw him passing by me recently. He has not faced any action, and I keep seeing him,” she said.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed in February that it had opened investigations into Adhiambo’s death, deploying a rapid response team to gather evidence, interview witnesses and examine exhibits.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain subject to investigation.
Woman Who Lost Sight During Protests Appeals for Medical Help
Another protester, Hawa Sheila, said she lost her eyesight after being struck by a tear-gas canister during the 2024 Finance Bill protests while she was pregnant.
Sheila, who previously earned a living selling goods around Nairobi’s Archives area, said the injuries left her unable to continue working or live independently.
She claimed doctors had informed her that surgery could potentially restore her sight but that she had not secured the assistance needed to undergo treatment.
She appealed directly to Ruto to help her access medical care.
“I am now blind and cannot see anything. I want to regain my normal life. I was told by doctors that if my eyes undergo surgery, I may be able to see again. President Ruto, I am asking you to help restore my eyesight,” she said.
Her case featured among wider concerns raised by the Mothers of Victims and Survivors Network, whose members said families affected by police violence were still struggling with the consequences of the incidents.
Survivors Question Accountability as Compensation Continues
Fredrick Ojiro, an Emergency Affairs Officer at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), questioned why people allegedly injured during police operations and those reportedly abducted had not seen sufficient action taken against those responsible.
The protesters also questioned the government’s commitment to supporting mothers whose children were killed during demonstrations and other incidents involving security officers.
Philecia Wamburu, a member of the survivors’ network, said families were increasingly worried about whether they would be included in the compensation exercise before applications close.
The women repeatedly chanted “Tekeleza ahadi” (fulfil the promise), calling on the President to ensure victims were not overlooked.
Their demands extend beyond financial compensation, with families insisting that officers implicated in alleged violations should also face investigations and possible prosecution.
Mutua Panel Announces Sh96.95 Million for 157 Claims
The protest came as the compensation panel continued announcing payments to verified victims.
On November 5, the panel reported that it had processed 157 verified claims worth a combined Sh96.95 million under Phase VII of the programme.
The claims covered different categories of harm, including fatalities, aggravated injuries, severe and moderate injuries, minor injuries and economic losses. The panel said all applications must undergo verification and authentication before decisions are made.
The compensation framework provides different payments depending on the severity and nature of the harm suffered. Families of people killed are eligible for Sh3 million, while standard severe-injury claims attract Sh1 million, moderate injuries Sh500,000 and minor injuries Sh50,000. Aggravated injuries may attract higher amounts depending on the circumstances.
The panel has maintained that it will continue processing claims submitted before the November 14 cut-off and notify applicants of the outcome after verification.
They want the government to address outstanding cases, provide medical support to survivors with life-changing injuries and ensure investigations into alleged police abuses lead to accountability.
With the deadline approaching, the families are urging Ruto and the Mutua-led panel to ensure eligible victims have a fair opportunity to submit their claims before the application window closes.
