Kenya Swears in Expert Panel to Oversee Protest Victim Compensation

• Sep 04, 2025

Kenya has officially sworn in a panel of experts tasked with overseeing compensation for victims of protests, marking a significant step toward justice and reconciliation. The move aims to address the suffering caused by violent demonstrations, which have often led to loss of life and destruction of property.

During the ceremony, officials emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency in the compensation process. They noted that the panel’s role is not only to assess claims but also to restore trust in peaceful demonstrations as a constitutional right.

“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 who did nothing wrong,” one official said, stressing the importance of building a culture where grievances can be expressed without bloodshed.

The swearing-in comes after months of public outcry over the heavy toll of recent protests. Many families have called for recognition and justice for their loved ones, who they say were innocent victims of excessive force or chaotic demonstrations. Civil society groups and human rights defenders have also pushed for accountability, noting that compensation is only one step toward addressing deeper issues of governance and policing.

The expert panel will be responsible for receiving claims, verifying them, and making recommendations on payments. Beyond financial compensation, the panel is expected to propose reforms that can prevent similar tragedies in the future. This could include guidelines for law enforcement during protests, better communication channels between citizens and authorities, and stronger frameworks to protect human rights.

Analysts see the initiative as a test of the government’s sincerity in tackling long-standing grievances about police brutality and political unrest. While many have welcomed the panel, others remain cautious, questioning whether its recommendations will be fully implemented.

For families who lost loved ones, however, the creation of the panel brings a sense of hope that their pain will not be ignored. It is also viewed as an opportunity for Kenya to strengthen democratic practices by safeguarding the right to protest while protecting lives and property.