Irũngũ Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, has resigned from President William Ruto’s Panel of Experts on compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests.
In a statement issued on January 8, 2026, he revealed that his decision follows the President’s January 5, 2026, extension of the Panel’s mandate for a further 180 days despite the December 4, 2025, Kerugoya High Court ruling (HCCHRPET/E010/2025) mandating the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
“I urge all to remain unwavering in our pursuit of truth, justice, and reparations for victims in accordance with the constitution and the recent court decision,” Irungu Houghton said.
The move came after Faith Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), also resigned from her position as Vice Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests.
Her resignation, tendered on October 6, 2025, was primarily due to the panel’s operations being halted by court orders, making it impossible to achieve the intended milestones within its 120-day mandate.
By Newshub