Passaris hails Ruto’s appointment of committee for protest victims’ compensation
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has praised President William Ruto for taking a step towards justice by appointing a Special Committee to oversee compensation for victims affected by past demonstrations.
In a statement shared on her X account on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Passaris said the committee shows that the government is committed to justice, fairness, and respecting people’s dignity.
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She added that by listening to victims and making sure they get help, President Ruto is showing caring and responsible leadership.
“President William Samoei Ruto has taken a bold and compassionate step by appointing a Special Committee to oversee the compensation of victims affected by past demonstrations, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to justice, accountability, and human dignity,” the lawmaker stated.
Adding;
“The committee was officially sworn in, with a mandate to develop a transparent and inclusive framework to identify and compensate those impacted by protest-related incidents. This move marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward restorative justice and national healing. By prioritising the voices of victims and institutionalising redress, President Ruto has demonstrated leadership rooted in empathy and constitutional responsibility.”
Sworn in
The 18-member committee, chaired by Makau Mutua, who serves as President Ruto’s senior advisor on constitutional affairs and human rights, was officially sworn in to begin its work. The panel is tasked with facilitating compensation for victims of demonstrations and protests dating back to 2017.
President Ruto had previously unveiled a five-member committee on August 8, which was tasked with establishing a framework for compensating victims of protests and riots. The newly sworn-in committee will implement the August 8, 2025, proclamation and ensure a more comprehensive approach to redress.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo will serve as vice chairperson. Other members 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. Richard Barno will act as Technical Lead, Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda as Co-Technical Lead, and Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Raphael Ng’etich as Joint Secretaries.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Professor Mutua emphasised the importance of the committee’s work in promoting peaceful demonstrations.
“We want to start writing a new chapter so that we can establish peaceful protests. We know that violence has taken the lives of civilians, a majority of whom did nothing wrong. A number of our law enforcement people also suffered; they are also our citizens. It is a national process to transform our political and human rights watch,” he said.
