Government Revises Protest Victims’ Compensation Panel Mandate, Extends Term
In a gazette notice dated January 5, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei stated that the panel’s functions had been updated in compliance with a Kerugoya High Court ruling, which ordered amendments within 30 days
By : Mweru Mbugua
The government has revised the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, while also extending its term
In a gazette notice dated January 5, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei stated that the panel’s functions had been updated in compliance with a Kerugoya High Court ruling, which ordered amendments within 30 days
The High Court had ruled that President William Ruto lacks constitutional authority to constitute a body to advise on compensation for protest victims, noting that this responsibility falls under the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
The court directed that the panel’s report be submitted to KNCHR, which will oversee necessary executive actions and ensure conformity with the Constitution
The gazette notice now mandates the panel to advise the President on lawful and constitutional implementation of the compensation framework, based on KNCHR’s report
The panel is also required to operate in full compliance with the Constitution and other applicable laws, collaborating with relevant public institutions where necessary.
The panel’s term has been extended from 120 days to 180 days from the date of the notice’s publication
The body was originally tasked with overseeing compensation for victims of police brutality and violence during youth-led anti-government protests in 2024 and 2025, which left over 120 people dead and hundreds injured
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The earlier mandate to design and establish a verification and compensation framework has now been removed
Chaired by President Ruto’s senior advisor on constitutional affairs and human rights, Prof. Makau Mutua, the panel included Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo as vice-chair, alongside 12 members, two technical leads, and two joint secretaries
Ms. Odhiambo has since stepped down and been replaced by KNCHR Chairperson Claris Awuor Ogangah-Onyango
