157 more victims of human rights violations receive over Sh225 million from State

A street protest led by Generation Z in Kenya. (File)

By Mary Wambui
Friday, July 3, 2026

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According to the panel, 57 were awarded Sh3 million each, while the rest were awarded amounts depending on the nature and extent of their injuries.

A total of 157 claims have been paid to victims of human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests in the second phase of the programme, the panel tasked with the process announced on Friday.

The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations said the 157 include: 100 who suffered various injuries, and 57 fatalities.

According to the panel, 57 were awarded Sh3 million each, while the rest were awarded amounts depending on the nature and extent of their injuries.

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“The response from victims has been highly positive, as reflected in the sharp increase in claims coming in. Since the panel made the call for claimants to come forward two weeks ago, we have received over 400 claims, including at our KICC offices. We have also received additional names from the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR),” the panel, chaired by Prof Makau Mutua, said.

To date, 505 victims have been compensated, with total disbursements of Sh674,100,000.

This figure includes Sh448,700,000 disbursed in the initial phase and 56 per cent of all the claims received and processed.

The Panel maintained that every approved claim has undergone the strictest scrutiny for verification and authentication to confirm eligibility.

“We assure the public that at the end of the compensation process, we shall, in accordance with the law and in full compliance with accountability and transparency, make public the list of all the beneficiaries. Importantly, victims who have yet to file a claim, give their consent, or share their bank and payment details should do so without delay. The programme will continue on a rolling basis until every eligible victim is compensated. We remain committed to ensuring prompt, fair, and dignified compensation for all verified victims,” the panel added.

Meanwhile, the panel clarified that the compensation does not gag or hinder victims from pursuing further remedies and that the programme does not grant immunity to the perpetrators.

“Criminal accountability runs parallel to the compensation. All cases, like Rex Masai's, remain ongoing,” the panel said.