Human rights defender Irũngũ Houghton has suspended
his participation in the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of
Protests and Demonstrations, citing a High Court order issued on Monday.
In a statement on Thursday, Houghton said he took the step “in
accordance with Monday’s order by the High Court and out of respect for the
rule of law, the Constitution and judicial oversight.”
He clarified that, apart from attending the swearing-in, he
has not participated in any meetings or activities of the panel.
“Let it be understood that apart from the swearing
in, I have not participated in any meetings or activities with or for the Panel
of Experts on Compensation of Victims in Protests and Demonstrations,” he said.
“I shall not do so until the High Court gives a way forward.”
Houghton also reaffirmed his advocacy for accountability,
calling for the judicial prosecution of those complicit in unlawful killings,
reparations for victims and guarantees of non-recurrence in cases of
protest policing.
On Monday, the High Court in Kerugoya issued conservatory
orders temporarily halting the implementation of President William Ruto’s
directive establishing the framework.
"Pending the hearing, the court stayed the commencement
of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of
Demonstrations and Public Protests and suspended the implementation of Gazette
Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, which had appointed the panel to establish
a reparations framework," Justice Kizito Magare’s orders read.
Further, the court restrained the respondents, their
servants, agents or assigns from enforcing or acting upon the presidential
proclamation of August 6, 2025, on compensation for victims of demonstrations
and riots until the application is heard.
Justice Magare also ordered that the respondents and
interested parties be served immediately and file their responses within seven
days of service.
The applicant will then have three days to file submissions,
but not later than September 24, 2025.
Respondents and interested parties are required to file
submissions within three days thereafter, and in any case, not later than
September 30, 2025.
The matter will be mentioned for directions on October 6, 2025.
