Amnesty calls for termination of criminal cases against protesters, rights defenders

In a statement on Thursday, the Executive Director, George Morara stated that while reparations are necessary, citizens have a right to peaceful assembly under Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution.

“We further welcome the call to review and terminate criminal proceedings against human rights defenders and protesters, particularly those facing terrorism-related charges, for exercising their constitutional rights under Article 37. Reparations cannot coexist with the continued criminalization of peaceful assembly and dissent,” read part of the statement.

Amnesty believes that the framework for reparation is a good progress in Kenya’s ongoing pursuit of truth, justice and accountability. However, the organization asserts that for justice to be achieved, full accountability and implementation are required.

Additionally, Amnesty has supported the recommendation given by victims of state violence, declaring that the apology must be unequivocal, be accompanied by concrete guarantees of non-repetition and acknowledge state responsibility in the suffering of victims.

Further, Amnesty has indicated that the adoption of a low evidentiary threshold will help ensure accessibility of funds for victims who might face barriers in obtaining official documentation.

The organisation has called on the government to establish a reparations fund, adopt a national reparations policy, enact comprehensive legislation and to allocate sufficient resources to ensure victims receive timely redress.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Monday submitted a report on the Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations to President William Ruto at the State House. 

The compensation is set to cover victims of violent protests witnessed in the 2017 and 2022 post-election period and those who suffered rights abuse in 2023, 2024 Finance Bill protests and 2025 Saba Saba protests.