Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has hailed President William Ruto’s decision to compensate protest victims as a courageous decision.

Speaking during the funeral ceremony of the late former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo at her Wikondiek home in Homa Bay County, Mudavadi said that the decision cements Kenya’s commitment to upholding human rights even at the international stage.

“Your decision to form a task force to compensate those who were injured or killed during protests is welcome. Kenya is a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council; we have a seat there,” Mudavadi remarked.

End to protest deaths

Mudavadi equally stated that the move was right, noting that nobody loves to witness bloodshed in the country.

“The decision you have made is vital for the country because nobody would like to see continued bloodshed in our nation. It is a very courageous decision, and also the right decision,” Mudavadi stated.

He expressed confidence in the process, stating that the move could set the ball rolling towards the greater goal of combating the loss of lives during protests.

“We hope and trust that going forward, this will not be a recurrent process in our republic. We want to move forward in unison,” Mudavadi said.

Compensation framework

On Friday, August 8, 2025, Ruto 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 seeks to provide accountability, redress, and reparations for those affected by violent protests and riots.

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,” the statement reads in part.

The Makau Mutua-led 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.