President Ruto Reconstitutes Panel on Compensation for Protest Victims

President William Ruto has reappointed the Panel of Experts on Compensation for Victims of Protests and Demonstrations, following setbacks in the previous panel due to resignations.

The original panel was appointed on August 25, 2025, through a gazette notice.

In a new gazette notice dated March 6, 2026, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed Prof. Makau Mutua as the panel chairperson.

The members of the reconstituted panel are: Kennedy N. Ogeto, Dr. John Olukuru, Rev. (Fr.) Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Dr. Linda Musumba, Dr. Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Dr. Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Raphael Anampiu, John Maina, and Churchill Suba.
Technical Lead is Richard Barno, with Co-Technical Lead Dr. Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda.
The joint secretariats are Jerusah Mwaathime Michael, Dr. Raphael Ng’etich, Beatrice Wambui, and Daki Guyo.

Koskei said the panel will operate as an internal administrative body to implement the framework developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), but it will not supervise the commission’s work.

“The Panel shall ensure transparency, fiscal accountability, and proper record-keeping, and shall submit periodic implementation reports to the President and relevant government authorities,” Koskei stated.

The panel’s term is set for 90 days, or for a period specified in the Kenya Gazette.

The previous panel, also chaired by Prof. Mutua with Faith Odhiambo as vice-chair, included members Kennedy N. Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, Dr. John Olukuru, Rev. Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Dr. Linda Musumba, Dr. Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Dr. Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.