Makau Mutua hails Ruto for appointing panel of experts on compensation of demos’ victims
Makau Mutua has praised President William Ruto for what he described as a historic and unprecedented decision to establish a Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Protests and for appointing him as chairperson of the team.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Mutua expressed gratitude to the President for entrusting him with what he termed an “awesome responsibility” of leading a diverse team of experts drawn from different sectors.
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“I take this opportunity to thank H.E. President William Ruto for appointing the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Protests and for entrusting me with the awesome responsibility of leading a team of exceptional women and men, including @FaithOdhiambo8, the President of @lawsocietykenya, who will serve as Vice Chair,” he stated.
“H.E. the President has taken a historic, unprecedented, and bold step to lead in the healing of our country by charging us with bringing justice to the victims, their families, and loved ones.”
He noted that the move signals a turning point in Kenya’s human rights journey, adding that it opens the door for a renaissance in the country’s approach to justice and accountability.
“On behalf of the entire team, I promise H.E. the President and our fellow citizens that we shall execute our mandate with honour, rigour, and integrity,” he assured.
Victim’s panel
This comes a few hours after Ruto appointed Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo Mony as vice-chairperson of a 15-member Panel of Experts tasked with fast-tracking the compensation of victims of public protests since 2017.
According to the Gazette Notice issued by the State House on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the panel is chaired by Constitutional Advisor Professor Makau Mutua. Other members include Kennedy N. Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, Dr John Olukuru, and Rev. Fr Kennedy. Barasa Simiyu, Dr Linda Musumba, Dr Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Dr Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.
The technical team is led by Richard Barno, supported by Dr Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda as co-technical lead. Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Dr Raphael Ng’etich serve as joint secretaries.
The panel will design and implement an operational framework to verify, categorise, and support eligible victims.
Furthermore, the panel will also engage with families, civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, and relevant state agencies to ensure transparency, fairness, and inclusivity throughout the process.
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