In a significant move, the Kenyan government has announced the formation of a special team to address the aftermath of recent demonstrations. This action follows a presidential proclamation made earlier this month.
On August 25, 2025, the government published a notice in the Kenya Gazette. The notice appoints a Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests.
The decision is based on a proclamation issued by the President on August 6, 2025. The government states this action is part of its constitutional duty to promote national healing and unity. The notice acknowledges that while the constitution guarantees the right to protest, these events have sometimes led to violence. This violence has resulted in the loss of life and serious injuries to both civilians and police officers.
The panel is tasked with creating a system to identify and provide compensation to eligible victims. Its work will also include looking into the broader issues surrounding protests and police conduct.
Who is on the Panel?
The panel is a large group composed of experts from various fields. Professor Makau Mutua will serve as its Principal Coordinator and Chairperson. Faith Odhiambo Mony is named as the Vice Chairperson.
The members include lawyers, human rights advocates, medical professionals and religious leaders. The listed members are Kennedy N. Ogeto, Irugu Houghton, Dr. John Olukuru, Reverend Father Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Dr. Linda Musumba, Dr. Duncan Ojwang, Naini Lankas, Dr. Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass and Raphael Anampiu.
Richard Barno is appointed as the Technical Lead, with Dr. Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda as the Co Technical Lead. Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Dr. Raphael Ngetich will serve as Joint Secretaries for the panel.
What the Panel Will Do
The panel has a detailed list of responsibilities. Its main task is to design a framework to verify victims, categorize their claims and manage compensation.
It must work with families of victims, state agencies, civil society groups and religious organizations. This is to ensure the process is inclusive and fair.
The panel will gather and confirm data on victims from official sources. These sources include the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the National Police Service, the Ministry of Health and civil society groups.
A key part of its mandate gives it the power to recommend legal action. If the evidence supports it, the panel can advise the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue prosecutions or other accountability measures.
Finally, the panel is expected to propose changes to laws and institutions. The goal of these reforms would be to improve how protests are managed and how policing is conducted. The panel must submit regular reports and a final report to the President.
Powers and Duration
To complete its work, the panel has been granted strong powers. It can access information and records from any state organ or public office. It can require any person or institution to attend meetings and provide information or documents. It can also form smaller working groups and bring in additional technical experts.
The panel is set to operate for one hundred and twenty days from August 25, 2025. However, this period can be extended through another notice in the Kenya Gazette.
Funding and Transparency
Funding for the panel and the compensation scheme will follow the Public Finance Management Act. All payments will use auditable channels.
The panel is instructed to ensure transparent accounting. It must keep clear records for an independent audit and will publish anonymous statistics and progress updates for the public.
The secretariat for the panel will be located on the ground floor of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. Whole Gazette Notice HERE
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