In a landmark executive action, President William Ruto has unveiled an urgent 120-day state intervention to compensate victims of protest-related violence since 2017. The Presidential Proclamation, signed today, responds to escalating national tensions over accountability for lives lost and injuries sustained during demonstrations.
Key Directives:
Victim Compensation Framework: A specialized unit under the President’s Executive Office will coordinate reparations for both civilians and security personnel harmed in protests and riots.
High-Profile Leadership: Constitutional expert Prof. Makau Mutua (Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs & Human Rights) is named Principal Coordinator.
All-Hands Mobilization: The Attorney General, Ministries of Interior and Treasury, and “all relevant State agencies” ordered to collaborate under a strict 4-month deadline.
Controversial Context:
The decree cites Kenya’s “expanded democratic space” since 2010, acknowledging that constitutionally protected protests “regrettably turned violent,” causing deaths and injuries. It specifically references unrest dating back to 2017—a period spanning contentious elections and widespread anti-government rallies.
Critical Timeline:
The framework expires on December 6, 2025, pressuring agencies to swiftly identify victims, verify claims, and distribute funds. Legal experts anticipate fierce debate over eligibility criteria and funding sources, with opposition figures already questioning the initiative’s timing amid ongoing political friction.
