Fred Okango calls for urgent law to guide reparations for protest victims
By Sharon Atieno, June 16, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) strategist, Fred Okango has called for the urgent development of a dedicated legal framework to guide reparations for victims of human rights violations, saying the process of policy and legislation takes time and must be supported by interim guidelines.
Speaking in a local station on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, on the ongoing framework for compensation and reparations for victims of protests and other rights violations, Okango said the proposed guidelines will bridge the gap before full legislation is enacted.
“ The process of policy and legislation takes a bit of time. This guideline will support reparation in the interim. The panel therefore recommends a reparation policy as well as a reparation law,” he said.
His remarks come as President William Ruto received a report on the reparation of victims of human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests, from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
He noted that the process is also aligned with Article 254(2) of the Constitution, which allows the President to request reports from independent commissions, alongside a presidential proclamation and court directions from consolidated petitions that defined the framework for implementation.
Commission outlines broad reparation framework
The commission recommended multiple forms of redress, including compensation, restitution, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition as part of the national healing process.
It further noted that victims must be supported in the interim as policy and legislative processes are being finalized.
He explained that the recommendations are meant to bridge immediate gaps while laying the foundation for a structured and legally grounded reparations system.
State acknowledges violations and injuries
According to the report, the State acknowledged that during protests and public demonstrations, violations occurred, including injuries, loss of property, and harm to both civilians and police officers.
The commission said this acknowledgement is central to “satisfaction” for victims, as it affirms recognition of their suffering.
Panel to verify and categorize claims
The reparation panel will be responsible for registering, identifying, verifying, authenticating and categorizing claims before reviewing them for compensation under the proposed framework.
Okango noted that the panel’s recommendations will guide the development of both a reparation policy and a reparation law aimed at ensuring long-term accountability and structured redress for victims.