1,083 protest victims receive Ksh.1 billion in State compensation

The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has revealed that 1,083 protest victims have received Ksh.1.014 billion under its compensation programme.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Chairperson of the Panel Prof. Makau Mutua explained that the amount had been disbursed across the total implementation phases. 

He noted that the claims covered fatalities, injuries, sexual violence, economic losses and other recognised forms of harm.

According to Prof. Mutua, each claim underwent verification, authentication and categorisation before any payment decision was made.

Small and informal business owners affected by disruptions to their livelihoods had also received compensation, with 139 verified economic-loss claims settled so far.

The claims were assessed using evidence such as business records, police records, photographs and witness statements.

The panel also approved 100 claims submitted by uniformed officers over human rights violations sustained during the period under review.

In the latest phases of the programme, the panel said 307 claims under phases IV and V had been approved, with a combined compensation value of Ksh.113.8 million. 

Phase IV accounted for 125 claims worth Ksh.80.55 million, while Phase V had 182 claims valued at Ksh.33.25 million.

The panel said it will continue processing claims beyond the earlier phases and provide further updates as subsequent phases are concluded.

Further, Prof. Mutua added that the panel had maintained direct engagement with victims and beneficiaries, with some affected persons confirming receipt of their compensation.

The engagement is intended to provide feedback channels, clarify claim statuses and address concerns raised by beneficiaries.

"The Panel reiterates that the compensation program is fundamentally victim-centered. It is intended to acknowledge the harm victims have suffered, restore dignity, and provide tangible administrative redress as part of Kenya's broader journey toward national healing and reconciliation," said Prof. Mutua.

He noted that the programme does not absolve criminals of their wrongdoings, citing that the State's focus is on supporting accountability and ensuring the culprits are brought to book. 

"The Panel remains committed to ensuring that every eligible victim is treated fairly, transparently and with dignity, and that no eligible victim is left behind," he said.

Formed in 2025, President William Ruto tasked the panel to verify, categorize, and oversee reparations for victims of human rights violations and protests occurring between 2013 and 2025.

Recently, the Head of State extended the panel's term by 90 days from September 4, 2026, to address the remaining compensation claims.