High Court Suspends Government Panel on Protest Victim Compensation
The Kirinyaga High Court has put a temporary stop to the government’s scheme to compensate victims of demonstrations and public protests. The order, issued on Monday, September 8, 2025, pauses the work of the newly appointed panel while a legal challenge is heard.
What the court ordered
Justice Magare Dennis Kizito granted conservatory orders after hearing a petition by Levi Munteri. The ruling prevents the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests from starting its work, and freezes implementation of Gazette Notice 12002 (23 Aug 2025).
The court also restrained public officials and state agents from acting on the President’s proclamation of August 6, 2025 that launched the compensation framework. The judge warned that anyone who defies the order risks contempt of court and penal sanctions.
Deadlines and next steps
The order sets tight timelines. Respondents must file their replies within seven days of being served. The petitioner will then have three days to respond. Interested parties may file submissions within three days of service, but no later than September 30, 2025.
The matter is listed for further hearing and directions in Kerugoya on October 10, 2025. All filings are to be completed before that date.
Who was on the panel and what they were to do
The committee announced by the government was chaired by Professor Makau Mutua, with Faith Odhiambo (Law Society of Kenya) as vice-chair. The wide-ranging team included public figures and experts drawn from civil society, legal circles and oversight agencies.
The panel’s brief was to build an operational system to identify, verify and compensate victims of demonstrations, protests and riots. It was supposed to consult families of victims, civil society groups and state agencies, and to use official records from institutions such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Why the legal challenge?
The applicant argues the process that created the panel and the framework breached legal or procedural requirements — grounds that the court will now examine. The court’s conservatory order simply preserves the status quo until the claims can be fully argued and decided.
What this means for victims and the public
Supporters of the government plan say a formal compensation framework could offer answers and relief to families harmed during demonstrations. Critics, however, raised questions about how the panel was appointed and whether proper safeguards, transparency and legal authority were in place.
With the pause in effect, any planned outreach, verification or payments will not go ahead until the court completes its review.
Further reading and sources
- Law Society of Kenya (LSK)
- Kenya Gazette — for official notices and publications
- Judiciary of Kenya — court information and records
- Related coverage: KenyaNews — National Affairs
