Professor Makau Mutua has hailed President William Ruto’s decision to establish a framework for compensating victims of protests and riots, terming it a “bold, unprecedented, and historic” step for Kenya’s human rights culture.

In his official X account statement on Friday, August 8, 2025, Prof Mutua also expressed his gratitude to the President for appointing him to head the newly formed framework, noting that the initiative marks a transformative moment in the country’s approach to transitional justice.

“I take this opportunity to unreservedly thank H.E President William Ruto for establishing a framework for the compensation of victims of protests and riots, and for appointing me to head it. This bold, unprecedented, and historic action by President Ruto is transformational for Kenya’s human rights culture,” Prof Mutua said.

The framework launched by the Head of State on Friday, August 8, 2025, seeks to reach out to families and individuals affected by the nationwide protests that have been rocking the country since June 2024.

Historic opportunity

Professor Mutua, who also serves as the President’s Senior Advisor, described the move as visionary, praising the Head of State for seizing a “historic opportunity” that, according to him, is rare not only in Africa but across the globe. Prof Mutua, who has spent nearly three decades teaching, writing, and advocating on matters of transitional justice, admitted he never imagined such a milestone could be achieved in Kenya within his lifetime.

“I have taught, written, fought for, lectured on, and practised the law of transitional justice for close to three decades and I never thought such a pioneering action would occur in Kenya in my lifetime,” he said.

Prof Mutua also extended his appreciation to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for “walking this journey” with President Ruto, underscoring the bipartisan spirit behind the initiative.

“I am humbled and honoured that H.E President Ruto has bestowed upon me this awesome responsibility. I promise him and the country that we will rise to the challenge. Aluta continua!” he affirmed.

The formation of the compensation framework comes in the wake of nationwide debates on police conduct during public demonstrations, as well as calls for state accountability in cases where citizens have suffered injury, loss of life, or property damage during protests.