President William Samoei Ruto has issued a Presidential Proclamation establishing a national framework to compensate victims of demonstrations and public protests held since 2017.
The move seeks to provide redress and accountability for both civilians and security personnel who suffered bodily harm or lost their lives during public unrest.
The framework is rooted in the constitutional mandate to protect the freedom of assembly and expression, while ensuring public safety and upholding civic responsibility.
“There is compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability, redress and reparations for victims of demonstrations and public protests,” read part of the proclamation issued from the Executive Office of the President.
A special coordination mechanism for victim compensation will be set up and anchored under the Executive Office of the President.
The Office of the President will work in close coordination with the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, National Treasury, and other relevant State agencies.
Prof. Makau Mutua, Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, has been appointed as the Principal Coordinator of the State-led intervention.
The coordination framework will operate for 120 days from the date of the proclamation.
Since the 2010 Constitution expanded Kenya’s democratic space, demonstrations and public protests have become a prominent avenue for citizens to voice grievances.
However, some protests have escalated into violent confrontations, leading to injuries, deaths, and destruction of property.
This framework aims to acknowledge and support victims, while reinforcing the importance of peaceful protest in a democratic society.
The proclamation reaffirms the State’s commitment to uphold human rights, public order, and reparative justice, even as it seeks to strike a balance between freedom of expression and civic responsibility.
At Least 3 MSS Officers Injured In Attack By Gang In Haiti
