Ruto taps Makau Mutua to oversee compensation of protest victims

President William Ruto has named Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, Makau Mutua, to oversee a framework for the compensation of protest victims dating back to 2017.

In an executive proclamation, Ruto cited the compelling national interest in redressing harm suffered by Kenyans in the turbulent protests that have been witnessed in the country in the past years.

It establishes the State Intervention and Compensation framework, which shall be vested under the Executive Office of the President.

“The Constitution establishes the dual obligations of the State and its citizens to uphold the delicate balance between civic responsibility and the exercise of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms,” the executive proclamation states in part.

“There is compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability for victims of demonstrations, including civilians and security personnel who lost their lives or suffered bodily harm during public protests,” Ruto added.

He emphasised the need for accountability and reparation for those injured or lost their lives during protests from 2017 to date.

In the proclamation, the president noted that his office will work together with the Attorney General, the ministry of Interior and National Government Administration, the National Treasury and all other relevant agencies to ensure the plan is implemented.

The Mutua-led framework is expected to deliver its mandate within the next four months.

Reacting to his appointment, Prof Mutua thanked the President for establishing a framework, terming it a bold, unprecedented, and historic action is transformational for Kenya’s human rights culture.

“Visionary leaders seize historic opportunities, as President Ruto has done. This action is unique in Africa and around the globe. I have taught, written, fought for, lectured on, and practiced the law of transitional justice for close to three decades and I never thought such a pioneering action would occur in Kenya in my lifetime. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Rt Hon Raila Odinga for walking this journey with the President. I am humbled and honored that H.E President Ruto has bestowed upon me this awesome responsibility. I promise him and the country that we will rise to the challenge,” he wrote on his X account.

The move by President Ruto comes after an increase in the number of deaths over the years, especially last year and this year, during the anti-government and anti-finance bill protests during which tens of youths lost their lives and others injured. Several police officers were also injured during last month’s protests.

Families of victims of the protests have been decrying of silence by officials in ensuring justice is served for their kin.

The compensation of the victims has been a key demand by ODM leader Raila Odinga in his broad-based partnership with the Kenya Kwanza government.

The establishment of the framework comes barely a day after the two principals established a five-member committee to oversee implementation of the 10-point agenda agreement between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which includes compensation for victims of protests and riots.

The team, which will be chaired by former ODM Nominated Senator Agnes Zani, has Fatuma Ibrahim, Gabriel Oguda, Kevin Kiarie and Javas Bigambo as members.