Gov't pays over Ksh.674M in compensation to 505 protest victims

The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations says it has disbursed more than Ksh.674 million to 505 victims as it scales up efforts to compensate those affected by demonstrations and public protests.

In an update issued on Friday, the panel Chairperson Prof. Makau Mutua said that Ksh.674.1 million has so far been paid out to verified beneficiaries, including Ksh.448.7 million disbursed during the initial phase of the programme.

The panel said the second phase of compensation saw 157 claims fully processed, comprising 57 fatalities, 19 severe injuries, 57 moderate injuries, 18 minor injuries and six aggravated sexual offence cases, amounting to Ksh.225.4 million in compensation.

Families of the 57 victims who lost their lives each received Ksh.3 million, while beneficiaries with severe injuries and aggravated sexual offence claims were awarded Ksh.1 million each.

Those with moderate injuries received Ksh.500,000, while minor injury claimants were compensated Ksh.50,000.

According to the panel, the 505 beneficiaries compensated so far represent 56 per cent of all claims received and processed, with many victims having already confirmed receipt of the funds.

The panel also reported a sharp rise in applications after calling on victims to submit claims two weeks ago.

It said more than 400 claims have since been received, including those submitted at its offices at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC), with additional names forwarded by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

The panel said every approved claim has undergone rigorous verification and authentication to confirm eligibility before compensation is approved.

It further pledged to publish the full list of beneficiaries at the conclusion of the exercise in line with legal requirements on accountability and transparency.

The panel urged victims who are yet to submit claims, provide consent or share their bank and payment details to do so without delay, saying the programme will continue on a rolling basis until all eligible victims have been compensated.

It also announced that psychological support services remain available at its KICC offices to provide counselling and psychosocial care to victims affected by their experiences.

The panel said it has also received questions from the public regarding compensation for harms such as enforced disappearances and torture, adding that supplementary frequently asked questions have been released to address the concerns.