Etale welcomes Ruto’s compensation plan for police brutality victims
By Mustafa Juma, August 9, 2025Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale has lauded President William Ruto’s proclamation outlining the modalities to compensate victims of police brutality, terming it a positive and long-overdue step.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Friday, August 8, 2025, Etale said the move demonstrates that the government has finally heeded public outcry over the plight of victims and their families.
“The President’s proclamation on the modalities to compensate victims of police brutality is a step in the right direction. Everyone has been accusing the government of not being sensitive to the issue; the government has opened the ears and acted. It is incumbent upon all of us to support this noble cause,” Etale stated.
End of police brutality
While welcoming the compensation plan, Etale urged the government and security agencies to ensure that cases of police brutality — especially against peaceful protesters — come to an end immediately.
“And as we embrace this, police brutality on peaceful protesters must stop henceforth,” he wrote on X.
Ruto’s proclamation
President William Ruto has announced the establishment of a special framework to compensate victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security officers who lost their lives or suffered injuries since 2017.
The presidential statement, issued through X on Friday, August 8, 2025, seeks to provide accountability, redress, and reparations for those affected by violent protests and riots.
The move is anchored in the Constitution’s commitment to balancing civic responsibility with the exercise of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, as outlined in the Bill of Rights.
According to the statement, the government recognises that while Kenya’s democratic space has expanded since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, some demonstrations have regrettably turned violent, resulting in loss of life and bodily harm.
“There is a compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability, redress, and reparations for victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security personnel,” it read.
The framework will address incidents dating back to 2017, covering both members of the public and security personnel harmed during protests. The Executive Office of the President will coordinate the process in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the National Treasury, and other relevant state agencies.