NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has appointed an 18-member panel of experts to oversee the compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests dating back to 2017.
In a gazette notice published on Monday, August 25, the Head of State named Prof. Makau Mutua, his senior advisor on constitutional affairs and human rights, as chairperson of the panel.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo will serve as vice-chairperson.
The team is tasked with implementing Ruto’s August 8 proclamation, in which he announced a framework to identify, verify, and compensate victims of political unrest.
The President said the initiative seeks to provide redress for lives lost, injuries sustained, and property destroyed during years of often-violent protests.
Other members of the panel include Kennedy N. Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, John Olukuru, Rev. Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass and Raphael Anampiu.
President William Ruto appoints a Panel of Experts to facilitate the Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests.
Richard Barno will serve as technical lead, assisted by Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda as co-technical lead, while Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Raphael Ng’etich will act as joint secretaries.
According to the gazette notice, the panel’s mandate extends beyond compensation.
It will design a framework to verify victims, ensure fairness and inclusivity in the process, and engage with stakeholders.
The team will also propose legislative and institutional reforms addressing the handling of demonstrations, policing culture, and accountability.
This new body builds on an earlier 5-member committee unveiled on August 8 by Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
That smaller team — comprising columnist Gabriel Oguda, former nominated senator Agnes Zani, Kevin Kiarie, Fatuma Ibrahim, and political strategist Javas Bigambo — was mandated to draft the initial framework for compensation.
It is supported by a joint secretariat co-led by representatives from UDA and ODM.
The expanded 18-member panel is expected to submit periodic reports to the President with recommendations on both compensation and long-term reforms.
The announcement comes amid heightened public debate on the state’s response to protests, with critics questioning the consistency of government policy while rights groups have welcomed the move as a potential step toward accountability.
