Protest Victims to Finally Receive Compensation as Govt Panel Kicks Off

A panel of experts tasked with overseeing compensation for victims of demonstrations and public protests has officially begun its work after the government gazetted its members.

In a notice issued on Monday, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed the appointments, naming renowned legal scholar Makau Mutua as the chairperson and principal coordinator of the panel. The team will serve for 120 days from the date of gazettement, with the option of an extension if published later in the Kenya Gazette.

Panel Composition

Faith Odhiambo Mony will serve as vice chairperson, working with a diverse group of professionals that includes Kennedy Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, Dr. John Olukuru, Rev. (Fr.) Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Dr. Linda Musumba, Dr. Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Dr. Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.

Richard Barno will lead the technical team as the panel’s technical head, supported by Dr. Duncamn A. Okelo Ndeda as co-technical lead. Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Dr. Raphael Ng’etich will serve as joint secretaries, ensuring the smooth running of the panel’s operations.

The secretariat shall be located at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Ground Floor, which shall serve as the coordination and administrative support base.

Mandate and Scope

The panel has been tasked with developing a detailed operational framework to verify, categorize, and process compensation claims for both civilians and security officers who suffered injuries or lost their lives during protests and riots since 2017.

The panel shall hold wide consultations with victim families, human rights organizations, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and relevant State agencies to make the compensation process inclusive, transparent, and fair.

It will also verify victim details provided by institutions such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the National Police Service, the Ministry of Health, and other credible civil society organizations.

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