Ruto's Panel On Compensating Protest Victims Suspends Operations

Makau Mutua, who chairs the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests appointed by President William Ruto, has confirmed that the team has halted its work while awaiting the outcome of a court case challenging its mandate.

In a statement issued Thursday, September 11, the panel disclosed that it has lodged an application at the High Court in Kerugoya seeking to have the case contesting its establishment thrown out.

"The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests has filed an application in the High Court in Kerugoya to set aside the ex parte conservatory orders issued on 8th September 2025," Mutua stated.

Also Read: Ruto Appoints Makau Mutua To Lead Plan To Compensate Protest Victims

"The Panel, in compliance with the court orders, had suspended its operations and will continue to comply with the court orders until further directions from the court."

Mutua's statement confirming compliance with the court orders came hours after Amnesty Kenya Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton announced that he suspended his participation in the Panel, immediately after the court order was issued.

Houghton explained that although he was officially sworn in as a panel member, he has not attended any of its meetings or participated in its activities. He further stated that he will refrain from any involvement with the panel until the High Court issues a direction on the matter.

"For the avoidance of any public doubt, I immediately suspended my participation in the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Demonstrations in accordance with Monday’s order by the High Court and my respect for the rule of law, Constitution and judicial oversight," he stated on Thursday.

"Let it be understood that apart from the swearing in, I have not participated in any meetings or activities with or for the Panel. I shall not do so until the High Court gives a way forward."

The panel’s vice chair, Faith Odhiambo, also disclosed that she was reconsidering her position on the team to ensure compliance with the court order.

On Monday, September 8, the High Court issued a directive temporarily stopping the panel from carrying out its functions.

Justice Kizito Magare granted conservatory orders suspending the start of the panel’s work until a petition challenging its legality is heard. The ruling specifically froze the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, which had officially established the panel, following a petition filed by lawyer Levi Munyeri.

“In the alternative, this Honourable Court be pleased to issue to set aside, vary or discharge in whole or in part the ex parte orders issued on September 8, together with any consequential directions or actions flowing from those orders,“ the court order reads.