Ruto extends term of panel handling human rights compensation claims for 60 days

President William Ruto has extended the term of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations by a further 90 days.

The extension, contained in Gazette Notice No. 14149 dated September 4, 2026, takes effect from the same date and gives the panel an additional three months to undertake its mandate.

The panel was initially appointed through Gazette Notice No. 3115 of March 6, 2026.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that His Excellency the President has extended the term of the panel appointed vide Gazette Notice No. 3115 of 6th March, 2026, for a further period of ninety (90) days, with effect from the 4th September, 2026,” the notice states.

The extension comes as the government continues processing compensation claims from victims of human rights violations, including those affected during demonstrations and public protests.

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The panel’s mandate includes verifying and categorising victims, authenticating information provided by State institutions and recommending appropriate reparations. It is also expected to engage victims, their families, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the compensation process.

The government has set aside Ksh2 billion for the compensation programme following recommendations by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

According to recent reports, the KNCHR received 1,937 claims relating to human rights violations committed between 2017 and 2025, with 1,101 cases having been verified.

By August 2026, the panel had processed 680 legitimate claims and Ksh896.1 million had been disbursed to beneficiaries. The claims include cases involving deaths, injuries, economic losses, sexual offences and violations involving uniformed officers.\

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The panel is chaired by constitutional scholar Professor Makau Mutua, while KNCHR Chairperson Claris Awuor Ogangah-Onyango serves as vice-chairperson.

The latest extension will allow the panel to continue with the verification and processing of outstanding cases as the government works to implement its human rights reparations programme.

Ruto pledges compensation

President William Ruto had earlier acknowledged that Kenya’s handling of public demonstrations has for years been marred by violence, rights violations, and loss of life, vowing sweeping reforms and compensation for victims of human rights abuses during protests and picketing.

Taking to his Facebook page on June 15, 2026 after receiving a report from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said successive governments had failed to decisively address the recurring pattern of excessive force and destruction that often follows public demonstrations.

“For far too long, whenever Kenyans have exercised their constitutional and democratic rights to assemble, picket, demonstrate and petition, the outcome has too often been marked by violence, injury, loss of life, destruction of property, bitterness, and division,” Ruto said.