Karua demands prosecution of police violence before payout to protest victims
The People’s Liberation Party leader, Martha Karua, has demanded the prosecution of perpetrators of police violence against Kenyans during protests before the government rolls out its compensation plan for victims.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Karua said it was unacceptable for the state to focus on payouts while the perpetrators of extrajudicial killings and violence against demonstrators remain unpunished.
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She emphasised that true healing and peace can only be achieved when accountability is pursued, warning that financial compensation without justice would amount to a hollow gesture.
Karua further noted that the continued use of excessive force by security agencies against peaceful protesters has eroded public trust and instilled fear among citizens.
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She demanded firm assurances that state machinery will no longer be used to suppress dissent through violence, stressing the need for a strong commitment to protecting the rights of all Kenyans.
She also raised concerns about the legality of the government’s newly formed compensation committee, pointing out that the matter is already before the courts. According to her, the initiative risks being undermined if it is not anchored in transparency, legitimacy, and the principle of justice.
“We are asking how you organise a compensation team before issues of giving victims justice, because there cannot be peace without justice. We want the prosecution of the culprits. We want a commitment that never again shall the guns be used to murder, maim and injure the innocent people who are simply expressing their rights. We also think that the committee is illegally constituted. I will not go into that because the matter is in court,” she stated.
Compensation of victims
Her remarks come a month after President William Ruto announced a 120-day program to compensate victims of protests dating back to 2017.
Also watch: Ruto appoints panel of experts to oversee compensation of protest victims
The scheme was to be implemented by a Panel of Experts chaired by Professor Makau Mutua and deputised by Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
The 18-member panel, gazetted on August 25, 2025, also included figures such as Kennedy Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, John Olukuru and Juliet Chepkemei. Its technical team comprised Richard Barno, Duncan Ndeda, Jerusah Mwaathime and Raphael Ng’etich.
The panel was tasked with verifying and categorising victims, authenticating data with bodies such as IPOA and KNCHR, and recommending reparations. Where evidence allowed, it was also expected to propose accountability measures in consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
However, on Monday, September 8, the High Court in Kerugoya suspended the presidential proclamation and froze the work of the panel. Justice Dennis Magare issued conservatory orders halting the compensation plan pending the hearing of a petition challenging its legality. The court also suspended Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, and barred state offices from implementing the scheme. The case is scheduled for mention on October 6, 2025.
Also watch: High Court suspends Ruto’s compensation panel over legality row
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, have also criticised the initiative, warning that compensation without justice would not be enough. They have urged that the process be victim-centred and include non-monetary reparations, memorialisation, public hearings and institutional reforms to prevent future abuses.
