President William Ruto took formal steps to comply with a High Court ruling directing the establishment of a mechanism to compensate victims of demonstrations and public protests, the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protest and Riots has said.
In a statement, the panel’s Chairperson and Principal Coordinator, Prof. Makau Mutua, said Ruto implemented the court’s decision through Special Gazette Notice No. 259 dated January 5, 2026, following a judgment delivered by the High Court in Kerugoya on December 4, 2025.
The ruling arose from Constitutional Petitions Nos. E10, E11 and E14 of 2025, in which the court affirmed the President’s unique constitutional role in protecting human rights and facilitating reparations for victims of rights violations.
According to the panel, the President’s action demonstrates a strong commitment to the rule of law, constitutionalism, and respect for the authority of the Judiciary.
Prof. Mutua said that, in line with the court’s directions, the necessary administrative and procedural steps are now underway to operationalise the judgment.
These measures are aimed at ensuring that the compensation process for victims of protests and public demonstrations is conducted in a transparent, fair, and accountable manner, guided by established legal and institutional frameworks.
At the same time, the panel confirmed that an appeal has been filed to seek clarification on broader legal issues arising from the judgment, citing the significant public interest involved.
However, Prof. Mutua emphasised that the appeal does not suspend, delay, or negate compliance with the existing court order.
“The filing of the appeal is intended to enable the Judiciary to further pronounce itself on the principles involved, in the interest of clarity and the orderly development of jurisprudence,” the statement said.
The panel noted that compliance with court orders and the pursuit of appellate review are complementary aspects of constitutional governance, adding that both actions affirm respect for the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary.
The compensation framework is expected to address claims by individuals who suffered harm during demonstrations and public protests, an issue that has drawn sustained public and legal attention in recent years.
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