NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has established a special 120-day framework to coordinate compensation for civilians and security officers harmed or killed during public protests and riots since 2017.
In a presidential proclamation issued on Friday, Ruto said the initiative will be anchored under the Executive Office of the President and executed in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the National Treasury, and other state agencies.
The president appointed Prof. Makau Mutua, his Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, as the principal coordinator of the State Intervention and Compensation Framework.
Ruto said the move seeks to uphold the constitutional right to protest while ensuring accountability and redress for victims of violent demonstrations.
He noted that while the 2010 Constitution expanded democratic freedoms — allowing picketing and public assembly — some protests have “regrettably turned violent,” leading to injuries and loss of life.
“There is compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability, redress and reparations,” the proclamation reads.
The announcement comes amid growing calls for justice and accountability following recent unrest marked by fatalities, injuries, and allegations of excessive force by security forces.
Details on the exact compensation process, eligibility criteria, and number of victims to be covered are yet to be disclosed.
