Makau Mutua pleads with Kenyans to trust him with compensation delivery
By Cynthia Lodite, September 11, 2025The chairperson of President William Ruto’s Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Protests, Makau Mutua, has called on Kenyans to trust in him as he takes up the mantle of overseeing compensation of victims of demonstrations and protests dating back to 2017.
Makau, who was speaking during an interview with a local media house on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, assured Kenyans of his primary role, revealing his political stand in the panel.
“Kenyans ought to understand that I am not here to play games, I am not here to play politics, but I am here to do something that will help us turn the page in this country,” Makau said.
Makau has assured Kenyans of his over 30 years of experience in human rights issues while maintaining his track record as a founding chairman of the Kenyan Human Rights Commission.
“I have taught human rights issues for over 30 years. I am the founding chairman of the Kenyan Human Rights Commission. I have a track record. I am one of the framers of the Transition Constitution,” Makau said.
Mutua stated that President William Ruto had seen an opportunity for his previous roles, hence bequeathing him such a noble role as the chairperson of the Panel of Experts overseeing Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Protests.
“When the President agreed to take on this noble task of appointing us to implement compensation for victims, I saw a great opportunity for the work that I have done for my entire life,” Makau said.
“So I think Kenyans ought to understand that. I’m not here to play games; I’m not here to play politics. Instead, I am here to do something that will help us turn the page in this country.”
Ruto appoints panel
Ruto appointed a panel of 18 experts to facilitate compensation of victims of demonstrations and protests dating back to 2017.
The panel, gazetted on August 25, 2025, shall be chaired by Prof. Makau Mutua, who is Ruto’s senior advisor on constitutional affairs and human rights.
The panel, with Faith Odhiambo as its vice chairperson, is expected to effect the implementation of the August 8, 2025, proclamation by Ruto, where he announced a framework to compensate protest victims.
Members of the taskforce include Kennedy N. Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, John Olukuru, Rev. Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass and Raphael Anampiu.