President William Ruto has established a 120-day government framework to coordinate compensation for victims of protests and riots across Kenya. He appointed Makau Mutua, his senior advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, as the principal coordinator for this important initiative.
The framework will include representatives from the President’s office, the Office of the Attorney General, the Treasury, the Ministry of Interior, and other relevant state agencies.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, in exercise of the authority vested in me, do hereby establish a coordinating framework for compensation of victims of protests and riots,” the President stated.
Ruto emphasized the need to balance civic duties with constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. Since the 2010 Constitution expanded democratic space, Kenyans have freely exercised their rights through demonstrations and picketing.
However, some protests unfortunately turned violent, causing injuries and loss of life. “There is compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability for victims of demonstrations, including civilians and security personnel who lost their lives or suffered bodily harm during public protests,” Ruto said.
This framework aims to provide timely and fair compensation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to justice and healing.
