Ekuru Aukot: Protest victims’ compensation without justice is cosmetic
Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has criticised the government’s approach to compensating victims of protests, saying that without justice and accountability, the move is merely a cosmetic gesture.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Aukot stated that while compensation for victims of police brutality is necessary, it cannot be meaningful unless those responsible are held accountable.
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“I totally agree with the question of compensation. But it should not be discriminated against. Compensation without justice and accountability is playing lip service to addressing those atrocities,” he said.
Aukot pointed out instances of cases of police violence, including that of Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody, and Boniface Kariuki, who was shot dead while selling face masks, and they have yet to get justice.
“Let us use very simple examples. Albert was killed in police custody. Boniface Kariuki was standing by the wall, just selling masks. He was shot, and we all saw that. Who killed Albert Njoki? Who is that cop who actually shot Kariuki?” he posed.
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He accused the government of attempting to placate public anger without addressing the root cause of the problem: state violence and impunity.
“This charade of a commission that has been created is not accountable. Without accountability, this compensation is just cosmetic.”
Aukot also expressed concern over the growing frustration among Kenyans who feel abandoned by their elected leaders, stating that the recent protests reflect a reawakening of public consciousness and constitutional sovereignty.
“Kenyans have decided they are going to invoke Article One of the Constitution, the sovereignty of the people. When Kenyans do not see their elected representatives, they exercise that power. That is why they are not afraid, and they did not run.”
The compensation panel
President William Ruto appointed a Panel of Experts to spearhead the process of compensating victims of demonstrations and public protests across the country.
In an announcement published in a Gazette Notice on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Head of State noted that the panel will seek to implement the Proclamation by establishing a comprehensive framework for identifying, verifying, and supporting affected individuals.
The technical team will be led by Richard Barno, supported by Duncan Okelo Ndeda as Co-Technical Lead, while Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Raphael Ng’etich will serve as joint secretaries.
According to the notice, the team’s mandate will include designing an operational framework to verify and categorise victims, authenticating data from authoritative institutions such as IPOA, KNCHR, and the Ministry of Health, and recommending appropriate reparations.
The 15-member panel will be chaired by his Constitutional Advisor, Makau Mutua, with Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo Mony serving as vice-chairperson.
