President William Samoei Ruto has announced the establishment of a special framework to compensate victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security officers, who lost their lives or suffered injuries since 2017.
In a Presidential Proclamation issued from the Executive Office of the President, Ruto emphasized the constitutional balance between civic responsibility and the right to peaceful assembly, as enshrined in the Bill of Rights. While acknowledging the democratic gains made since the 2010 Constitution, he noted that some protests have turned violent, causing loss of life, bodily harm, and destruction.
The newly established framework will be coordinated under the Executive Office of the President in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the National Treasury, and other relevant state agencies.
President Ruto appointed Prof. Makau Mutua, Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, as the Principal Coordinator of the initiative. The compensation framework will operate for a 120-day period from its commencement date.
The proclamation underscores the government’s commitment to accountability, redress, and reparations, marking the first formal state-led process in Kenya to address harm suffered during public protests over the past eight years.
Written By Rodney Mbua
