President William Ruto has announced the formation of a special framework to facilitate compensation for victims of demonstrations and public protests held since 2017.
In a presidential proclamation issued on Friday, August 8, Ruto stated that the government is committed to safeguarding public safety while also upholding the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
“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, as enshrined in the Bill of Rights,” he said.
He noted that since the 2010 Constitution came into effect, Kenyans have increasingly exercised their right to protest. However, he acknowledged that some demonstrations have turned violent, resulting in deaths and injuries.
“Since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010, the expanded democratic space has afforded Kenyans from all walks of life the liberty to express themselves through demonstrations and picketing, some of which regrettably have turned violent, resulting in bodily harm and loss of life,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State revealed that the compensation will not be limited to civilians but will also include police officers and other security personnel who were injured or killed in the line of duty during protests.
“There is compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability, redress and reparations for victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security personnel who lost their lives or suffered bodily harm during public protests and riots since the year 2017,” he added.
According to the proclamation, the new framework will be coordinated from the Executive Office of the President, working alongside the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the National Treasury, and other relevant state agencies.
Ruto appointed Prof. Makau Mutua, his Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, as the Principal Coordinator of the initiative.
The special coordination framework is expected to operate for 120 days from the date of the announcement.
