Yet another 'task force': Ruto forms team to organise protest victims' compensation

Senior Advisor, Constitutional Affairs Prof Makau Mutua addressing the media at Nyayo Stadium on June 4,2022. [File, Standard]

President William Ruto has today formed a team to establish a framework for compensating victims of protests and riots.

Prof Makau Mutua, Senior Adviser on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, will serve as the team's principal coordinator.

Based at the Executive Office of the President, the team will serve for four months (120 days) starting today.

"The Executive Office of the President shall discharge this mandate in collaboration with the office of the Attorney General, the Interior Ministry, and National Treasury, and all other relevant state agencies," Ruto said in a presidential directive.

While noting that Kenya's 2010 Constitution guarantees the right to demonstrate and picket, Ruto said several protests since June 2024 have led to deaths and injuries among civilians.

"There is compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability, redress and reparations for victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security personnel who lost their lives or suffered bodily harm during protests since 2017," he said.

His administration has faced criticism over what critics term a lack of urgency in compensating victims and supporting families affected by last year's protests.

On June 1, ODM leader Raila Odinga urged the government to provide closure for those families.

"President Ruto asked for forgiveness at the National Prayer Breakfast. That was a good start. But we must go further...there should be closure. Families who lost their sons and daughters must be compensated. It's the only way to heal and move forward," said Odinga.