Malala criticises Ruto’s compensation plan for police brutality victims
By Valerian Khakayi, August 9, 2025Democracy for Citizens Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala has criticised President William Ruto’s plan to compensate victims of police brutality during protests.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with grassroots leaders from the voter Kuria East and Kuria West constituencies on Friday, August 8, 2025, Malala questioned how much money could compensate police brutality victims, stating that life is precious
Additionally, the former senator asked Ruto to apologise before offering compensation to the victims.
“Hata hiyo barua anasema anataka kucompensate lives, tunataka tuulize William Ruto ni pesa ngapi inatosha kulipia uhai wa mtoto?so tunataka kukuambia kabla useme unataka kucompensate ambayo ni haki yao lakini ni lazima uombe msamaha kwa sababu hii nikama unataka kununua maisha ya mtu,” Malala said.
He went on to say that it is ironic for Ruto to offer compensation without taking action against the rogue police officers, who he says will still brutalise Kenyans during protests.
“Tumepoteza karibu watu 155,tunauliza haina haja unacompensate hao alafu kesho bado polisi wanaua vijana wetu katika streets.”
Malala’s criticism comes after Ruto announced the establishment of a special framework to compensate victims of demonstrations and public protests since 2017.
Ruto’s directives
In a statement issued through X on Friday, August 8, 2025, Ruto said that he seeks to provide accountability, redress, and reparations for those affected by violent protests and riots.
He further recognised that while Kenya’s democratic space has expanded since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, some demonstrations have regrettably turned violent, resulting in loss of life and bodily harm.
“There is a compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability, redress and reparations for victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security personnel,” the statement read.
The framework will address incidents dating back to 2017, covering both members of the public and security personnel harmed during protests. The Executive Office of the President will coordinate the process in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the National Treasury, and other relevant state agencies.
Committee
Ruto, in addition, appointed Prof. Makau Mutua, Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, as the principal coordinator of this state intervention and compensation programme.
The special framework will operate for 120 days from the date of the proclamation, with a mandate to develop structures for identifying victims, processing claims, and disbursing compensation.