President William Ruto has appointed Makua Mutua, his senior advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, to lead the framework for coordinating the compensation of victims of protests and riots.
Besides announcing Mutua's appointment as the principal coordinator of the state intervention and compensation framework, Ruto revealed that the framework would last for 120 days from the date of the announcement.
He added that the team would comprise members from his office, the Office of the Attorney General, the Treasury and the Ministry of the Interior, as well as other relevant state agencies.
"I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, in exercise of the authority vested in me, do hereby establish a coordinating framework for compensation of victims of protests and riots," he announced.
"The Office of the President shall discharge this mandate in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Interior & National Administration, The National Treasury and all the other relevant State agencies," he added.
In his statement, Ruto expressed the need for the government and members of the public to balance between civic responsibility and constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
He noted that since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, the expanded democratic space has afforded Kenyans the liberty to express themselves through demonstrations and picketing.
Nonetheless, the Head of State disclosed that some of these demonstrations and picketing regrettably turned violent, resulting in bodily harm and loss of life.
"There is compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability for victims of demonstrations, including civilians and security personnel who lost their lives or suffered bodily harm during public protests," Ruto affirmed.
President Ruto's move comes against the backdrop of the recent wave of protests in the country that resulted in the deaths and injuries of several Kenyans, including security officers.
Amidst calls for compensation of the victims, the government has been reluctant to do so, drawing criticism from several stakeholders, including the political class.
Among them is former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who, in June this year, called for compensation for victims and families of those who lost their lives or were injured during last year’s youth-led anti-government protests and previous demonstrations.
Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, Raila welcomed a public apology by President Ruto made who expressed their heartfelt sorrow to Kenyans who lost their lives and were injured in last year's protests.
