Amnesty International Kenya boss Irũngũ Houghton has stepped back from the panel formed to handle compensation for protest victims. He said he will not take part in any activities until the High Court gives a clear way forward. Houghton revealed that apart from his swearing in, he has not attended meetings or carried out any work.
The move comes only days after Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo also paused her participation. Both leaders have pledged to respect the court’s orders. They continue to push for justice for victims and reforms to end police brutality during demonstrations.
The compensation panel was created by President William Ruto on August 25. It has 18 members led by Prof. Makau Mutua. The group was expected to verify protest victims dating back to 2017. Cases include post election violence, COVID-19 enforcement abuses, the Masimba killings in 2023 and the Gen Z protests. It was also asked to design compensation models and recommend reforms in protest management.
Amnesty Kenya had welcomed Houghton’s appointment. The rights group hoped the process would open doors for financial support, truth telling, memorials and rehabilitation. But the organisation warned that payouts should not replace justice. It called for proper investigations and prosecution of officers linked to unlawful killings.
The panel’s work was blocked on September 8 after Justice Kizito Magare issued conservatory orders in Kerugoya. Lawyer Levi Munyeri and four activists argued the panel was illegal. They claimed its role overlaps with existing bodies like the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. They also said it threatens privacy rights and stretches presidential powers. The case will be mentioned on October 6.
Families of victims and activists have voiced mixed reactions. Some believe the panel is unconstitutional and a cover up. They demand prosecutions before money is given out. Others note that Faith Odhiambo has faced harsher online attacks than Houghton, pointing to tribal and gender bias.
Supporters of the panel say it could still push vital reforms in security agencies. But the suspension has left hundreds of victims waiting, raising questions on how Kenya will balance justice, compensation and accountability.
By Kenyans