Lobby backs suspension of Ruto’s compensation panel

The Justice and Equity Council has welcomed a High Court decision suspending President William Ruto’s Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Police Brutality and Demonstrations.

In a statement, the group said the ruling reaffirms the independence of the judiciary and the need to uphold the rule of law.

The lobby group urged the courts to fast-track cases related to police accountability, including petitions seeking compensation for victims of abductions and disappearances.

“We urge the courts to fast-track all related cases, including the petition seeking compensation for victims and seeking to hold the Inspector General of Police, his two deputies, the Director of Criminal Investigations, and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) accountable for heinous crimes committed against the people of Kenya through forced abductions and disappearances case number HCCHRPET/E505/2025 among others,” reads the statement signed by the group’s chairman Sebastian Onyango.

The statement comes after the High Court in Kerugoya on Monday issued conservatory orders temporarily halting the operations of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, pending a full hearing of a case filed against it.

Justice Magare Dennis suspended both the panel’s mandate and the implementation of the presidential proclamation of August 6, 2025, until the case is fully heard.

The orders also suspended Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, which had formally established the panel to design a framework for reparations and compensation for victims of demonstrations, public protests, and riots.

“A Conservatory Order to stay the commencement of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests pending the hearing of this Application inter partes.”

The court further barred the respondents, including the State Law Office and the Interior Cabinet Secretary, from implementing or acting on the presidential proclamation.

The 18-member panel, sworn in on September 4, 2025, is chaired by Prof. Makau Mutua, while Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo serves as vice chairperson.

Other members include Kennedy Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, John Olukuru, Rev. Kennedy Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.

Richard Barno is the Technical Lead, Duncan Ndeda the Co-Technical Lead, while Jerusah Mwaathime and Raphael Ng’etich are joint secretaries.