Ruto’s Taskforce Defends Legality, Compassion Behind Protest Victims’ Compensation Plan

President William Ruto’s 18-member taskforce on compensation for victims of police brutality and protest-related injuries has defended its establishment in court, terming it a lawful, compassionate, and long-overdue step toward justice for affected Kenyans

In submissions led by Professor Makau Mutua, the panel said victims of public unrest have long lacked a proper avenue for redress, often forced into costly and drawn-out court battles

“The President acted within the law and in good faith to respond to the cries of thousands who have suffered in silence,” the court papers stated

The taskforce clarified that its role is purely advisory to collect and verify data of genuine victims, collaborate with bodies such as KNCHR, IPOA, the National Police Service, and the Ministry of Health, and recommend policy reforms within 120 days

“The panel does not pay or prosecute anyone. It only makes recommendations that will later be reviewed by the Treasury, Parliament, and other oversight bodies,” the submissions read

According to the panel, the initiative arose from repeated appeals by the church, civil society, and the opposition for government intervention on behalf of victims of protest violence

It drew parallels with previous programs compensating 2007/2008 post-election violence victims and internally displaced persons but emphasized that safeguards are now in place to prevent fraudulent claims.

The experts argued that President Ruto acted within his constitutional powers under Articles 131 and 132, which empower him to coordinate executive functions and establish advisory bodies

“Creating taskforces or panels to gather facts and propose policy solutions is normal executive work not an attempt to take over judicial or parliamentary powers,” they maintained

They added that similar models exist in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and the United States, proving the global legitimacy of such programs

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Petitioners opposing the initiative have argued it duplicates the roles of institutions like the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and could lead to fund misuse or privacy breaches.

However, the government dismissed those concerns, saying the process complies with the Public Finance Management Act and the Data Protection Act to ensure transparency and accountability

“Halting the panel’s work would only punish victims who have waited years for justice,” the state argued

“This process is not about politics. It’s about compassion, fairness, and healing for families who have suffered during protests. The process is legal, time-bound, and accountable”