“The Long Wait Is Over” as Govt Begins Compensation for Victims of Protest Violence

The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has officially launched the reparations programme for victims of human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests between 2013 and 2025.

In a notice released on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Nairobi, the Panel confirmed that the first phase of compensation has already begun.

Only verified victims who have given consent are being paid.

The Panel stressed that consent is a mandatory final step before any payment is processed.

348 Victims Paid in First Phase

In this initial rollout, a total of 348 victims across six categories of harm are being compensated. The total payout for this phase stands at Ksh 448.7 million.

Breakdown of Compensation

• Fatalities: 115 victims – Ksh 3,000,000 each (Total: Ksh 345,000,000)
• Severe injuries: 24 victims -Ksh 1,000,000 each (Total: Ksh 24,000,000)
• Moderate injuries: 137 victims – Ksh 500,000 each (Total: Ksh 68,500,000)
• Minor injuries: 60 victims – Ksh 50,000 each (Total: Ksh 3,000,000)
• Sexual offences (aggravated): 8 victims – Ksh 1,000,000 each (Total: Ksh 8,000,000)
• Economic loss: 4 victims – Ksh 50,000 each (Total: Ksh 200,000)

Also Read:IG Kanja Slapped With 6 Demands Ahead of June 25 Gen Z Memorial Protests

“The Long Wait Is Over” – Panel Chair on Protests Victims

Panel Chairperson Makau Mutua said the start of payments marks an important step toward justice, dignity, and accountability for victims of rights violations.

“To the victims, the long wait is over. Today, we begin to make right what was wrong. Your courage in coming forward has made this day possible. We honour your resilience and your dignity,” he said.

He added that all claims were processed through a structured system involving registration, verification, authentication, categorisation of harm, approval, and disbursement.

Transparency and Accountability Measures

The Panel confirmed that the names of beneficiaries will be published periodically in the Kenya Gazette, in line with the Data Protection Act, 2019.

Officials emphasized that only victims who have provided consent are being compensated, and consent remains a mandatory final step before payment.

The Panel also confirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that regular updates will be shared with the public as the programme progresses.

Also Read:Gachagua Warns Kenyans to Stay Away From June 25 Gen Z Protests

Continuous Programme to Cover All Eligible Victims

Authorities said this is only the first phase of a long-term programme.

Further payments will be made in subsequent phases until all eligible and verified victims are fully compensated.

Victims who have not yet submitted claims or provided banking details have been urged to do so without delay to avoid missing future payouts.

Public Assistance and Contact Information

Victims seeking assistance or clarification can visit the Panel offices at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC), Ground Floor.

Contact details:

Email: info@victimscompensation.go.ke

Phone: +254 141441294

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The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has officially launched the reparations programme for victims of human rights violations
PHOTO/Uwiano