Kaluma dismisses critics of Ruto’s victims’ compensation panel
By Faith Lagat, September 7, 2025Homa Bay Town MP George Peter Kaluma has dismissed critics of the newly formed Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots, describing them as selfish, corrupt, and tribalistic.
The panel, chaired by Makau Mutua and deputised by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, was sworn in on Thursday, September 4, 2025, to oversee compensation for victims of protests since 2017. Other members include Kennedy Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, Linda Musumba, Juliet Chepkemei, and Duncan Ojwang.
Kaluma’s stance
Kaluma, in a post shared on X on Saturday, September 6, 2025, stated that critics of the panel opposed structured compensation mechanisms.
“Ignore these guys; they’re selfish and corrupt and hope there are no clear structures to compensate victims so that they make fake claims and steal public resources,” he wrote.
He also pointed to what he termed hypocrisy, saying, “When they were compensated multiple times following the 2007–08 post-election violence, the tribalists didn’t complain even as fellow citizens remained discriminated against and denied reparations.”
Kaluma defended the panel as impartial and inclusive, crediting President William Ruto for establishing it.
Legal challenge filed
The panel’s formation has faced resistance, with Advocate Levi Munyeri filing a legal challenge seeking Odhiambo’s removal, citing alleged violations of LSK statutes. His petition comes as debate grows over the independence of professional bodies in government assignments.
At the same time, lawyer Willis Otieno urged Kenyans to stop criticising Odhiambo for joining the panel. “Let’s not turn Faith Odhiambo into a sacrificial lamb; she means well,” he wrote on X on September 5.
He insisted that justice for victims required accountability, compensation backed by law, and reforms to prevent repetition.
Panel’s mandate
During the swearing-in, Odhiambo pledged to serve victims with commitment. “Holistic justice requires that as we seek accountability from perpetrators, we remain alive to the needs of victims and the difficulty of their lived realities,” she said, vowing to carry out her duties fearlessly.
The panel’s mandate, outlined in a gazette notice by President Ruto, includes verifying and categorising claims, ensuring fair and timely compensation, and addressing accountability. Its work is expected to shape Kenya’s approach to compensating victims of unrest going forward.