The government has extended the term of the Panel of Experts handling compensation for victims of human rights violations, including those linked to demonstrations and public protests, for 90 days.
In a gazette notice dated June 12, 2026, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei said the extension takes effect from June 5, 2026, allowing the panel more time to continue with its mandate under the Constitution of Kenya.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that His Excellency the President has extended the term of the Panel of Experts appointed vide Gazette Notice No. 3115 of 6th March, 2026, for a period of ninety (90) days, with effect from 5th June, 2026,” reads the notice.
The panel was assigned the task of overseeing compensation for victims of police brutality and violence during youth-led anti-government protests in 2024 and 2025, where more than 120 people were killed and hundreds of others were injured.
The 2025 notice, particularly Part II (a), had directed the panel to design and establish an operational framework to verify, categorise and compensate eligible victims. That provision has since been deleted following legal and administrative changes.
The team is chaired by the President’s senior advisor on constitutional affairs and human rights, Professor Makau Mutua, with Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Claris Awuor Ogangah Onyango serving as Vice Chair alongside 12 members, two technical leads and two joint secretaries.
In January, the government revised the panel’s mandate to comply with a Kerugoya High Court order requiring amendments within 30 days. The court ruled that the President does not have constitutional authority to establish a body to advise on compensation of victims, noting that the role falls under the KNCHR.
The court directed that the report be submitted to KNCHR, which would then undertake necessary executive steps and ensure any amendments align with the Constitution.
Koskei further noted that Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 2025 has been amended. The panel is now required to advise the President on the lawful and constitutional implementation of the compensation framework based on a report prepared by KNCHR. The panel also carries out its duties in strict compliance with the Constitution and applicable laws, working closely with relevant public institutions where necessary.
So far, at least 1,800 victims have been identified, with the government urged to release funds for compensation following submissions by the KNCHR. The commission confirmed that the victims were drawn from various protest incidents, including those that turned violent in 2024.
During a sensitisation forum for victims held in Kagio, Kirinyaga County, KNCHR commissioner Marion Mutugi said Kenyans have a constitutional right to take part in peaceful protests without interference from security officers.
She added that the law does not allow excessive use of force during demonstrations and warned that anyone supporting such actions is acting outside the law and should face criminal charges.
“The response was outpouring when we asked people who had been shot to come,” Mutugi said, calling for safeguards to prevent a repeat of rights violations.
She further urged the government to act quickly to ensure victims are compensated and rehabilitated.
“The President announced Sh2 billion to compensate victims of protests. Let the public be informed that KNCHR does not have that money. It was not given to us,” she said.
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