Fresh Ksh1 Billion Payout Revealed as Human Rights Panel Updates Victims

The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has processed 1,083 claims as it continues to compensate victims of human rights violations, including those affected by demonstrations and public protests.

The Panel said the processed claims cover fatalities, injuries, sexual violence, economic losses and other forms of harm recognised under the applicable framework.

It said each claim undergoes verification, authentication and categorisation before a payment decision is made.

“This safeguards the integrity of the process and helps ensure awards reach genuine, eligible victims,” the Panel said in an update issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The Panel has also settled 139 claims involving verified economic losses.

It said the claims mainly involve small and informal business owners whose livelihoods, businesses and property were affected by demonstrations, public protests and related incidents.

The Panel said it assesses economic-loss claims using supporting evidence such as business records, police records, photographs and witness statements.

It described economic compensation as an important part of its victim-centred approach to redress.

100 Uniformed Officers Approved for Compensation

The Panel has also approved 100 claims submitted by uniformed officers. It said the officers sustained human rights violations during the period covered by the compensation programme and have been authorised to receive appropriate compensation.

The Panel did not provide the total amount allocated to the 100 claims in its latest update. The Panel has reclassified two claims after reviewing medical reports and additional information submitted after the applications.

The two cases involve one civilian and one uniformed officer. Following a case-by-case assessment, the Panel approved payments above the standard compensation scale for both claims.

It will also recommend to the President that the two victims be included in a government-funded lifetime medical scheme.

Victims Confirm Receipt of Payments

The Panel said its chairperson and members have continued to engage victims and beneficiaries through different communication channels.

The engagements allow victims to raise concerns, confirm the status of their claims and provide feedback on the compensation programme.

“As of this afternoon, a number of affected persons have confirmed receipt of their compensation,” the Panel said.

It added that direct communication with victims remains important in ensuring that beneficiaries are treated with dignity and respect.

Panel Addresses Court-Related Concerns

The Panel acknowledged concerns raised over the implementation of the compensation programme. It said it had also considered Petition No. E488 of 2026, filed at the High Court in July 2026, where the Panel was named as the second respondent.

The Panel said it had complied with court directives to sequester and ring-fence Ksh105 million from the compensation fund for victims of torture and enforced disappearances.

The money will remain set aside pending the hearing and determination of the petition. The Panel said it remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the reparations programme.

Also Read:Kenya Forest Service Sets Record Straight on Claims of Grabbing Muthaiga Golf Club Land

Phase IV and V Claims

The Panel also provided an update on Phase IV and Phase V of the compensation programme. Phase IV comprises 96 civilian claims with a total value of Ksh74.35 million and 29 claims involving uniformed officers worth Ksh6.2 million.

The civilian claims include fatalities, severe, moderate and minor injuries as well as economic losses. Phase IV uniformed officers’ claims cover fatalities, moderate injuries and minor injuries.

Phase V comprises 83 civilian claims valued at Ksh10.5 million and 99 claims involving uniformed officers valued at Ksh22.75 million.

The civilian claims in Phase V cover fatalities, aggravated injuries and economic losses, while the uniformed officers’ claims include fatalities, severe injuries, aggravated injuries, moderate injuries and minor injuries.

The two phases have a combined total of 307 claims worth Ksh113.8 million. The Panel said it will continue providing verified updates as subsequent phases are completed.

Also Read:Govt Clarifies Whether Victims of Abductions Qualify for Compensation

Ksh1 Billion Disbursed So Far

The Panel said its midterm records show that Ksh1.014 billion has been disbursed across the compensation programme. It said the latest figures reflect substantial payments made through the various implementation phases.

The Panel stressed that the compensation programme does not replace criminal accountability or other legal remedies available to victims.

“Compensation does not replace criminal accountability or other legal remedies available to victims,” the Panel said.

It added that compensation forms part of a wider reparative process aimed at responding to harm while supporting accountability, institutional reform and guarantees of non-repetition.

Panel Promises Fair Compensations

The Panel said the programme remains focused on recognising the harm suffered by victims, restoring their dignity and providing tangible redress.

It urged victims and beneficiaries to continue using established communication channels and rely on official updates about their claims.

“The Panel remains committed to ensuring that every eligible victim is treated fairly, transparently and with dignity, and that no eligible victim is left behind,” it said.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates

Photo of Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, Prof Makau Mutua speaking at a past function. PHOTO/Mutua