NAIROBI, Kenya- Irungu Houghton, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, has formally resigned from the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests with immediate effect, citing constitutional concerns and the panel’s ongoing legal challenges.
In a resignation letter dated January 9, 2026 and addressed to Professor Makau Mutua, Chairperson of the panel, Houghton stated that his decision followed a January 5 directive by President William Ruto to extend the panel’s mandate by 180 days, despite a December 4, 2025 High Court ruling that declared the panel unconstitutional.
Houghton said the extension “materially alters both the legal basis and institutional legitimacy of the panel’s continued existence,” arguing that the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), not the presidential panel, is the constitutionally mandated body to lead compensation and reparations for human rights violations arising from public protests.
“As a constitutionalist, I am obligated to respect judicial determinations and act in a manner that safeguards the integrity of independent institutions,” Houghton said.
He observed that continuing to serve on a body that the High Court found unconstitutional would risk normalising an arrangement expressly rejected by the judiciary.
I have resigned from the Panel of Experts with immediate effect. My decision follows the President’s 5 Jan 2026 extension of the Panel’s mandate for a further 180 days despite the 4 Dec 2025 Kerugoya High Court ruling (HCCHRPET/E010/2025) mandating the @HakiKNCHR I urge all to
Legal and Institutional Dispute
The panel was established through a Kenya Gazette notice on August 25, 2025, and its mandate was to formulate recommendations on compensation for victims of police brutality and violence during demonstrations and public protests.
However, its legal footing was challenged in court, leading to a High Court decision that the executive-appointed body lacked constitutional authority.
Houghton had previously suspended his participation in September 2025 pending the court’s determination and clarified in his resignation letter that he had not attended any meetings or performed duties beyond the swearing-in.
He also disavowed his inclusion in a December 15, 2025, application seeking to stay the High Court ruling, stating that his name was added without his consent — and that he did not support the challenge against the judgment.
Principled Stand Amid Ongoing Controversy
Houghton’s decision follows a similar earlier resignation by Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, who stepped down as vice-chair of the panel amid concerns over independence and legal legitimacy.
Despite his exit, Houghton reiterated his commitment to justice, accountability and reparations for victims of state violence, urging stakeholders to pursue solutions within the constitutional framework and through the KNCHR’s mandate.
The panel’s continued existence remains contested, with government statements indicating ongoing efforts to operationalise the compensation process, even as legal debate and institutional tension persist.
