The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has set November 14, 2026, as the deadline for submitting claims, including those from victims affected by demonstrations and public protests. The panel is urging affected victims to complete their applications before that date.
In a statement, the panel said all claims submitted before the deadline would be considered. Applications already submitted will continue to be verified and assessed. The panel, led by Prof. Makau Mutua, has asked existing applicants to remain patient as it continues to verify claims and make decisions on compensation.
The panel handles claims relating to deaths, physical injuries, sexual abuse, financial loss and other human rights violations recognised by law. It has said applications will be verified, authenticated and classified, with updates and direct communication provided to victims.
The deadline comes as the government continues to compensate victims of protests and other human rights violations. The panel said 1,083 victims had already received compensation, with total payments amounting to Sh1.014 billion.
The compensation effort followed President William Ruto’s announcement that the government had set aside Sh2 billion to support victims of protests and human rights violations committed between 2013 and 2025.
The programme has particularly focused on victims of alleged police brutality and violence linked to youth-led protests in 2024 and 2025. More than 120 people were reported killed during those protests.
However, the compensation framework has faced legal challenges, with questions raised over whether the panel was established constitutionally.
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The High Court ruled that the President did not have the power to establish an advisory body to oversee compensation, saying the role falls within the mandate of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Following the ruling, the government changed its approach. The panel now advises the President on how to implement a compensation plan in a constitutional manner, relying on a report from the KNCHR.
Prof. Mutua dismissed claims that the compensation process had stopped, saying payments to verified victims were continuing.
“There have been misleading reports that compensation has stopped. We are continuing to pay victims,” he said.
The panel’s offices at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi remain open to victims who need assistance with their claims. Applicants can also access counselling and psychosocial support.
Prof. Mutua has previously said compensation is not the same as accountability. Payments to victims are not intended to replace efforts to establish responsibility for human rights violations.
The panel has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no eligible victim is left out of the compensation process.
Victims who have not yet submitted claims have been urged to contact the panel through its official channels and complete their applications by November 14, 2026.
– By John Murunga
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