Ruto Directs KNCHR to Develop Framework for Compensation of Protest Victims

Ruto Directs KNCHR to Develop Framework for Compensation of Protest Victims

President William Ruto has issued a presidential proclamation directing the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to develop a comprehensive framework to guide compensation and reparations for victims of human rights violations during protests and demonstrations across the country.

The directive, contained in a gazette notice dated Friday, March 6, tasks the commission with establishing guidelines that will determine how victims of past demonstrations—including the widely publicised youth-led protests of 2024 and 2025—will be compensated.

In the proclamation, the Head of State instructed KNCHR to design and submit the proposed framework within a strict timeline.

“I, William Ruto, do require the KNCHR to develop and submit a framework to guide compensation and reparations to victims of violations of human rights, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests,” the President stated in the notice.

Under the directive, the commission has been given 60 days from the date of the proclamation to complete the assignment and publicly release a report detailing how the compensation system will operate.

“The Commission is to submit, publish and publicise a report containing the said framework within sixty days of the date of this Proclamation, in accordance with the Constitution and the applicable law,” the statement added.

According to the government, the proposed framework will address cases involving loss of life, permanent injuries, and other serious human rights violations that occurred during demonstrations and civil protests.

Officials say the move is intended to ensure that victims and affected families receive structured support and compensation through a legally recognised process.

The President cited Article 131 of the Constitution as the basis for the directive, noting that the office of the presidency is mandated to uphold the rule of law and safeguard human rights.

The proclamation follows legal developments earlier this year when the High Court of Kenya sitting in Kerugoya ruled that the appropriate channel for handling claims by victims of demonstrations lies with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Legal analysts say the court’s guidance reinforced the role of the commission as the independent constitutional body responsible for investigating human rights violations and recommending remedies.

The new directive also replaces an earlier presidential proclamation issued in August last year, which had initially established a framework for reparations for victims affected by protests, demonstrations and riots.

Under the revised order, the panel of experts created under the previous directive will now operate as an internal administrative mechanism within the Office of the President.

“It is directed that the panel of experts established pursuant to the earlier proclamation shall be re-established as an internal administrative mechanism within the Office of the President,” the gazette notice stated.

However, the directive clarified that the panel will not oversee or interfere with the work of the KNCHR as it prepares the compensation framework.

“This is for the sole purpose of facilitating the implementation of the framework once developed, provided that the said panel shall not exercise supervisory authority over the work of the KNCHR,” the notice added.

In a related announcement, Felix Koskei confirmed the appointment of a panel of experts tasked with supporting the implementation phase of the compensation programme once the framework is completed.

The panel will be chaired by constitutional law scholar Makau Mutua and includes members Kennedy Ogeto, John Olukuru, Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Raphael Anampiu, John Maina and Churchill Suba.

Officials say the panel will operate for a period of 90 days and will focus on ensuring transparency, accountability and proper record-keeping during the rollout of the compensation programme.

The government says the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms for addressing human rights violations and providing justice to victims affected by public unrest and demonstrations.

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Ruto Directs KNCHR to Develop Framework for Compensation of Protest Victims