The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations, Public Protests and Riots has promised to deliver justice for victims of brutality in three months.
The team underscored that the hard work has just begun, but remained optimistic that justice and fair reparations will be done to those who suffered loss.
The team that has 120 days to deliver its report will identify victims who were either killed or maimed, those who lost their livelihoods, and any other damage that requires compensation.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, who defended her acceptance into the controversial panel, said her involvement was to ensure justice is done to victims of street protests
“As I take up this responsibility, let it be known that I have in no way betrayed your trust. Let it be clear that access to criminal justice remains critical to me in our quest to promote and protect the rule of law as an essential element in the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights and freedoms,” she said on Thursday.
Odhiambo added, “The Panel of Experts that I join today bears both the duty and opportunity to spearhead a revolutionary shift in victim reparations. Never again shall Kenyans be killed by trigger-hungry officers for exercising their constitutional rights on the streets.”
Odhiambo spoke shortly after being sworn in as vice chairperson of the 15-member panel chaired by President William Ruto’s constitutional advisor, Prof Makau Mutua at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
In a Gazette Notice published in August 2025, President Ruto mandated the panel to implement a presidential proclamation by establishing a framework for identifying, verifying, and supporting affected individuals.
Other members include Kennedy Ogeto, Houston Irungu of Amnesty International Kenya, Dr John Olukuru, Rev Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Dr Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Dr Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.
The technical team is headed by Richard Barno, with the support of Dr Duncan Okelo Ndeda as Co-Technical Lead, while Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Dr Raphael Ng’etich serve as joint secretaries.
The panel’s mandate includes authenticating data from authoritative sources such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the National Police Service, and the Ministry of Health.
The panel will serve for 120 days from the date of appointment, or as extended by the Kenya Gazette, and submit periodic progress reports and a final report to the President.
Funding for the panel and the compensation process will be provided in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, using auditable channels.
The panel is required to maintain detailed records for independent audits and publish anonymised statistics alongside progress updates to ensure accountability.
After the swearing-in ceremony, the Panel began its operations by introducing its members and those of the technical committee.
Among the issues that came up were how to quantify the lives of those who were killed, identifying victims/survivors, and assessing damages to livelihoods or businesses that suffered losses.
The team has also officials from the National Treasury who will provide guidance on budgetary issues and expenditure.
By 4 pm Thursday, the Panel members were still holding its session at the KICC.
