The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has dismissed President William Ruto’s newly announced Framework for Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots as fatally compromised, calling for its immediate disbandment.

In a statement issued on August 21, 2025, KHRC warned that the framework, meant to cover civilians and police officers affected by protests between 2017 and 2025, risks turning into an exercise in whitewashing rather than delivering truth, justice, and accountability.

According to KHRC, the initiative lacks independence and credibility, as it places oversight in the hands of perpetrators directly implicated in past violations.

“The framework ropes in the Interior Ministry, the Attorney General, and the Treasury, institutions that have either defended or executed the very abuses under review,” the Commission noted.

Citing constitutional breaches, KHRC said the framework erodes the mandates of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), both of which are legally empowered to investigate systemic human rights violations and police excesses. It further contravenes the Victims Protection Act, 2014, as well as international standards on truth, justice, and reparations.

KHRC tables key demands

KHRC pointed to the June 25, 2024, killing of a peaceful protester outside Parliament as a stark reminder of the state’s role in violations, stressing that “having those implicated in abuses oversee compensation destroys any hope of accountability.”

The Commission has issued 10 irreducible demands to the Ruto administration as proof of its political goodwill. These include an unconditional public apology, release of political prisoners, withdrawal of politically motivated charges, an end to arbitrary arrests and surveillance, prompt settlement of court-awarded damages, protection of victims, and cessation of state violence.

KHRC also demanded the immediate return of Martin Mavenjina, its Senior Programme Advisor, who was unlawfully renditioned to Uganda in July 2025.

To restore legitimacy, KHRC proposes that KNCHR and IPOA take over investigations and compensation processes, supported by Parliament, the Victims Protection Trust Board, and international human rights bodies. It further recommends that reparations be funded through proceeds of the perpetrator, mirroring the ICC Trust Fund for Victims, rather than burdening taxpayers.

“Only by ensuring independence, truth, and accountability can Kenya guarantee justice for victims and prevent repetition of these atrocities,” KHRC said.