The government has redefined the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation for Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests following a High Court directive. In a gazette notice dated January 5, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei outlined the revised roles, aimed at ensuring the panel operates within constitutional boundaries.
The move comes after the Kerugoya High Court ruled that President William Ruto lacks the constitutional authority to constitute a body to advise on compensation for protest victims, emphasizing that the responsibility rests with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The court instructed that the panel’s report be submitted to KNCHR, which would oversee any necessary amendments to align the process with the Constitution.
Under the new mandate, the panel is tasked with advising the President on the lawful and constitutional implementation of the compensation framework, based on KNCHR’s report. Its operations will strictly adhere to the Constitution and relevant laws, and the panel will collaborate with public institutions as needed to ensure proper execution.
