State pays Sh448million to protest victims as perpetrators remain unpunished
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has documented 62 deaths linked to the events of that day, with only three cases currently before the courts.
The government has begun compensating victims of human rights violations linked to demonstrations and public protests, disbursing Sh448.7 million to 348 verified beneficiaries in the first phase of a nationwide reparations programme even as the perpetrators of the henious acts remain largely unknown, roaming free and yet to be brought to book.
The exercise, overseen by the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations chaired by Prof Makau Mutua, covers verified cases recorded between 2013 and 2025, with the latest payouts largely tied to injuries, deaths and other harms arising from protest-related incidents.
According to the panel, only beneficiaries who have formally consented to the process are being paid, with authorities urging eligible victims to complete the required procedures without delay.
“Consent is the final act that a beneficiary must give to receive compensation. Eligible beneficiaries are encouraged to do so without delay,” the panel said in a statement.
Mutua said the disbursement marks the beginning of a continuous national programme aimed at ensuring accountability and redress for victims of rights violations.
“To the victims, the long wait is over. Today, we begin to make right what was wrong. Your courage in coming forward has made this day possible,” he said.
The first phase has seen Sh345 million allocated to 115 fatality cases, with each beneficiary receiving Sh3 million. A further Sh24 million has been paid to 24 victims classified as having suffered severe injuries, each receiving Sh1 million.
Another Sh68.5 million has gone to 137 victims with moderate injuries, who received Sh500,000 each, while 60 victims categorised as having sustained minor injuries were awarded Sh50,000 each, totalling Sh3 million.
In addition, eight victims of aggravated sexual offences received Sh1 million each, amounting to Sh8 million, while four victims who suffered economic losses were awarded Sh50,000 each.
The panel said every claim went through a structured process guided by the Reparations Guidelines developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), including registration, verification, authentication, categorisation of harm, approval and eventual disbursement.
It further pledged regular public updates on the progress of the programme and said names of beneficiaries will be published periodically in the Kenya Gazette in compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019.
The compensation comes ahead of a planned Gen Z memorial march on Thursday, June 25, marking two years since deadly anti-Finance Bill protests that escalated outside Parliament and left significant casualties.
During the 2024 demonstrations, youth-led protesters breached security barriers and entered Parliament grounds, with sections of the National Assembly complex set ablaze as police moved to disperse crowds.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has documented 62 deaths linked to the events of that day, with only three cases currently before the courts.
The panel said the current payouts represent the first phase of a wider programme that will continue until all eligible victims are compensated.
“We are committed to ensuring every verified victim is compensated, promptly, fairly, and with the dignity they deserve,” Prof Mutua said.
