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Compensation Framework – Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about the 120‑day government-led initiative to provide justice, redress, and compensation for victims of demonstrations and public protests.

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1) What is this process about?
The Head of State and Government, acting in furtherance of the State’s constitutional mandate to promote national healing and cohesion, established a Framework for the Reparation and Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations, Public Protests, and Riots. This is a government‑led, time‑bound, 120‑day program established by His Excellency President William Ruto to provide justice, redress, and compensation to victims of death or serious injury caused by state violence during public protests between January 2017 and July 31, 2025.
2) Who is coordinating the process?

His Excellency the President has appointed a Panel of Experts to effect the implementation.

Principal Co‑ordinator / Chairperson

Makau Mutua (Prof.)

Vice‑Chairperson

Faith Odhiambo Mony

Members

  • Kennedy N. Ogeto
  • Francis Muraya (Dr.)
  • Irungu Houghton
  • Juliet Chepkemei
  • John Olukuru (Dr.)
  • Pius Metto
  • Rev. (Fr). Kennedy Barasa Simiyu
  • Fatuma Kinsi Abass
  • Linda Musumba (Dr.)
  • Raphael Anampiu
  • Duncan Ojwang’ (Dr.)

Technical Team

  • Technical Lead: Richard Barno
  • Co‑Technical Lead: Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda (Dr.)
  • Joint Secretaries: Jerusah Mwaathime Michael, Raphael Ng’etich (Dr.)

The process is led by Professor Makau Mutua, the Presidential Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, and the above multi‑sectoral team.

3) What is their Mandate?
  • (a) Design and establish an operational framework to verify, categorise, and compensate eligible victims.
  • (b) Engage relevant stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and fairness in the compensation process.
  • (c) Access and authenticate data from authoritative sources including IPOA, KNCHR, the National Police Service, the Ministry of Health, and civil society.
  • (d) Where evidence warrants, recommend reparations, prosecutions or other accountability measures to the ODPP and oversight bodies.
  • (e) Propose legislative and institutional reforms; prepare periodic progress reports and a Final Report.
  • (f) Require attendance of persons/institutions for information or documents; constitute working groups.
  • (g) Co‑opt technical experts and regulate own procedures including quorum and decision‑making.
  • (h) Perform any other function ancillary to this mandate.
4) Is this process constitutional?
Yes. It is grounded in the Bill of Rights in Kenya’s Constitution to ensure that the rights to life, dignity, and peaceful assembly are respected, protected, and enforced. Kenya is a signatory to major continental and international human rights instruments upholding freedom of association and assembly.
5) Who will be compensated?
  • (a) Families of persons who lost their lives during protests within the stated period.
  • (b) Persons who suffered serious bodily injuries because of state violence during protests.
6) How to register?
This information will be provided via various media platforms across the country.
7) What documents or proof are needed for registration and verification?
Guidelines on registration and verification will be clearly communicated.
8) Transparency and accountability?
The Panel shall ensure transparent accounting, maintain records sufficient for an independent audit, and publish anonymised statistics and progress updates.
9) What is the timeline of the initiative?
  • Phase 1 (Days 1–40): Awareness & victim registration.
  • Phase 2 (Days 41–80): Verification & publication of lists.
  • Phase 3 (Days 81–120): Compensation disbursement & accountability.
10) Is this process political?
The process is nonpartisan and non‑political. It is a government‑led transitional justice process focused on victims’ dignity, justice, and healing.
11) How will the public be reached?
Information will be shared in English, Kiswahili, and local languages through national and local media, social media and SMS, chiefs’ baraza and community meetings, and posters in public places (markets, churches, mosques, bus stations).
12) What principles guide this process?
The process is guided by empathy and justice for victims; transparency and accountability; inclusivity; and respect and dignity.
13) How is it going to be implemented?
  • Operates under a strict 120‑day timeline.
  • Has a clear mandate to deliver compensation.
  • Maintains independent, auditable records and publishes anonymised statistics and progress updates.

Compensation & Reparation Initiative – Myths vs Facts

Myth 1

This task force is unconstitutional.

Fact

The initiative is anchored in the Bill of Rights under Kenya’s Constitution. It is coordinated by the Presidential Advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights with legal backing and the involvement of state institutions.

Myth 2

The process is shielding criminals.

Fact

The process is victim‑focused. Where evidence points to wrongdoing, the panel will recommend reparations, prosecutions, or other appropriate actions. Compensation does not replace accountability.

Myth 3

Investigations are being ignored.

Fact

Compensation runs in parallel with investigations by IPOA, ODPP, KNCHR, and other agencies. Victims will be compensated while perpetrators face the justice system.

Myth 4

Oversight is weak and untrustworthy.

Fact

This process has layered oversight: independent observers (civil society, LSK, ICPAK, PRSK), transparent auditable records published publicly, and weekly updates on payments and progress.

Myth 5

This will curtail freedom of protest.

Fact

The right to protest is protected by the Constitution. The initiative seeks to balance this freedom with civic responsibility and reform policing culture to ensure protests are peaceful and rights are respected.

Myth 6

Other organizations could have managed this better.

Fact

The initiative is multi‑agency, involving the Attorney General, National Treasury, Ministry of Interior, IPOA, ODPP, KNCHR, and civil society. This ensures inclusivity and accountability, with both government and independent actors engaged.

Myth 7

The process lacks transparency.

Fact

All payments will be made directly to beneficiaries without deductions, published county by county, and audited with anonymised but verifiable data.

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