Blow to Ruto as court halts implementation of compensation directive
A Kerugoya High Court has temporarily issued a conservatory order blocking President William Ruto’s appointed panel of experts on the compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests from starting its work.
Justice Magare Kizito’s orders, issued on Monday, September 8, 2025, come days after the members of the experts panel were sworn into office to start the work.
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“A conservatory order is hereby issued to stay the commencement of the mandate of the panel of experts on compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests pending the hearing of this application inter partes,” Justice Magare ordered.
Further, Justice Magare has issued an order halting the implementation of the gazette notice that appointed the members of the panel of experts on compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests until the application filed at the Kerugoya High Court is heard.
“A conservatory order staying the implementation or further implementation of the gazette notice 12002 of August 25, 2025, that appointed a panel of experts on compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests to establish a framework for the reparations and compensation of victims of demonstrations, public protests and riots, pending the hearing of this application inter partes,” Justice Magare ordered.
The court has also temporarily blocked the State Law Office and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of the National Government from starting any process of compensating victims of demonstrations and public protests until the petition filed against the panel is heard.
“A conservatory order restraining the respondents, their servants, agents or assigns from implementing, enforcing or in any manner acting upon the proclamation by the President of the Republic of Kenya dated August 6, 2025, establishing a framework for compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests pending the hearing of the application inter parties,” Justice Magare ordered.
Legality challenged
Lawyer Levi Munyeri filed a petition at the Kerugoya High Court challenging the legality of the formation of the panel of experts on August 25, 2025, by President William Ruto.
Judge Magare has directed Munyeri to serve the respondents and interested parties in the matter with the petition, and they do file responses within seven days of service.
Notably, lawyer Munyeri has been directed to file submissions within three days of service by the respondent or not later than September 24, 2025.
The matter will be mentioned on October 6, 2025, for further directions before the court in Kerugoya.
