The newly formed Panel of Experts on the Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots has officially been sworn in at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The ceremony, held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, marks the beginning of a critical process to provide justice for those affected by public protests since 2017.
The 15-member panel is chaired by Constitutional Advisor Professor Makau Mutua, with Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), serving alongside him. Other members include Kennedy N. Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, John Olukuru, Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.
The technical team is led by Richard Barno, with Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda as co-technical lead, while Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Raphael Ng’etich serve as joint secretaries.
President William Ruto appointed the panel through a Gazette Notice on August 26, 2025. In his directive, he emphasized fairness and timeliness: “The panel will ensure that every victim receives timely and fair compensation, while also addressing accountability where necessary.”
The panel’s mandate includes verifying and categorising victims, engaging families and civil society, and authenticating data from bodies such as IPOA, KNCHR, the National Police Service, and the Ministry of Health. Recommendations may extend to reparations, prosecutions, and legislative reforms to improve protest management and policing culture.
According to Faith Odhiambo, the process will be inclusive: “We will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that no victim is left behind.”
The panel will serve for 120 days, submitting periodic reports and a final report to the President. Funding will follow the Public Finance Management Act, with independent audits and public progress updates to guarantee transparency.
This initiative represents a landmark step in addressing the rights of protest victims while fostering accountability in Kenya’s democratic space.
