The government has begun implementing a High Court ruling that upheld the right of victims of protests and riots to receive compensation.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 9, Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protest and Riots, Prof. Makau Mutua, said President Ruto has taken concrete steps to enforce the court’s decision.
Mutua explained that the ruling, delivered in Kerugoya on December 4, 2025, recognized the President’s constitutional role in protecting human rights and facilitating reparations.
Government Begins Process to Implement Court Order on Protest Victims’ Compensation. Photo: Courtesy.
He noted that the judgment has since been implemented through a Special Gazette Notice dated January 5, 2025, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for the Judiciary.
He further revealed that administrative and procedural measures are already underway to operationalize the judgment.
According to Mutua, the steps being taken aim to ensure the compensation process is transparent, fair, and accountable, and conducted in line with established legal and institutional frameworks.
Mutua noted that the government has also filed an appeal to seek clarity on wider legal issues arising from the ruling, but stressed that this will not affect ongoing compliance with the court order.
He noted that the appeal is meant to allow further judicial interpretation while implementation of the judgment continues.
Meanwhile, the High Court in Kirinyaga temporarily suspended the compensation framework after Justice Magare Dennis Kizito issued conservatory orders following a petition by Levi Munteri.
The court suspended the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 23, 2025, which appointed a panel to develop a compensation framework.
Justice Noyono also issued conservatory orders barring the enforcement of the President’s August 6, 2025 proclamation on protest victim compensation pending the hearing of the case. Respondents were directed to file their responses within seven days.
