President William Ruto has formally tasked the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) with creating a detailed plan to compensate victims of human rights abuses during public protests, including youth-led demonstrations that took place in 2024 and 2025.
The directive, issued in a gazette notice on Friday, March 6, 2026, gives the commission 60 days to complete the framework and make it public.
"I, William Ruto, do require the KNCHR to develop and submit a framework to guide compensation and reparations to victims of violations of human rights, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests," the proclamation states.
This announcement follows a High Court ruling in Kerugoya, which clarified that KNCHR is the proper authority to manage compensation for protest victims. According to the President, this latest directive supersedes an earlier proclamation from August last year, which had established an initial reparations framework for demonstrations, protests, and riots.
The revised order also restructures the panel of experts originally set up under the previous framework, placing it as an internal administrative body within the Office of the President.
"It is directed that the panel of experts established pursuant to the earlier proclamation shall be re-established as an internal administrative mechanism within the Office of the President," the notice reads.
"This is for the sole purpose of facilitating the implementation of the framework once developed, provided that the said panel shall not exercise supervisory authority over the work of the KNCHR."
President Ruto emphasized that the new framework will cover incidents involving fatalities, severe injuries, and other human rights violations occurring during public demonstrations. He cited Article 131 of the Constitution, which obligates the President to safeguard human rights and uphold the rule of law.
Separately, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced the appointment of the panel of experts to support the rollout of the framework. The panel will be chaired by Makau Mutua and include Kennedy Ogeto, John Olukuru, Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Raphael Anampiu, John Maina, and Churchill Suba.
The 12-member panel will operate for 90 days as an internal administrative unit, assisting KNCHR while ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper record-keeping in implementing the compensation plan.
KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah will oversee the commission’s work to prepare, publish, and publicize the framework within the 60-day period.