NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has assured that victims of protests across the country will begin receiving compensation by June 2026, as the government moves to finalize a long-delayed restitution programme.
Speaking Tuesday during a joint parliamentary group meeting bringing together lawmakers from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Ruto said mechanisms have been established to ensure families affected by protest-related violence receive financial support.
The president acknowledged that financial payments cannot replace lives lost but said the government has a responsibility to recognize the harm suffered by victims and their families.
“You can never compensate for a life lost, but you can do something about it,” Ruto said.
“That is why we took the first step and gazetted a victims’ compensation panel, although the matter later went to court.”
Victims identified through oversight bodies
According to the president, the government has already compiled a comprehensive list of victims through collaboration with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Ruto said the list includes victims dating back to demonstrations held in 2017, a period marked by widespread protests following the disputed presidential election.
“We have identified all the victims of protests together with KNCHR and IPOA. We now have a comprehensive list that even goes back to victims of protests from 2017,” he said.
Government seeking Sh2 billion fund
The president said the government has already set aside resources for the programme and is seeking parliamentary approval for Sh2 billion in the supplementary budget to facilitate the payments.
“We have provided the necessary resources and MPs will be approving Sh2 billion to support the compensation of these victims,” he added.
The compensation plan had previously faced delays due to legal challenges, which temporarily halted its implementation.
However, Ruto said courts have since issued directions on how the process should proceed.
“The court finally came through and gave direction on how that process should be done,” he said.
“Last week, in compliance with the court’s decision, we gazetted a panel as recommended to expedite the process.”
Future protections for protesters
Beyond compensation, the government is also exploring measures aimed at strengthening legal protections for protesters.
Ruto emphasized that the right to peaceful demonstration is guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and must be safeguarded.
“Protesting is a constitutional right, and we must protect that right,” the president said.
He indicated that the government would recommend that the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights spearhead proposals for new legislation on protest protections, rather than the Executive introducing the law directly.
“It will be right for us to recommend KNCHR to propose a law on the protection of protesters because we do not want the Executive arm of government to propose that law,” he said.
