NAIROBI, Kenya — Protest victims seeking compensation for injuries, deaths or property losses suffered during demonstrations between 2013 and 2025 must prove that their claims are directly linked to qualifying protests or riots, according to Prof. Makau Mutua, chairperson of the Protest Victims Compensation Panel.
Speaking during Citizen TV’s Sunday Live programme, Prof. Mutua outlined the eligibility criteria, application procedures and verification requirements that will guide the compensation exercise aimed at addressing harms suffered during protests and demonstrations over the past 12 years.
He said only claims connected to protests, demonstrations or riots linked to the exercise of constitutional rights under Article 37 of the Constitution will qualify for consideration.
“We are covering the period from 2013 to 2025, but there are some qualifying events. The claim that is made must be connected to a protest or a riot in the course of trying to exercise the predicates of Article 37, which is a right to protest, to demonstrate, to petition and so on,” Prof. Mutua said.
“So your claim must fall within those events. If it does not, it does not qualify.”
Where victims can submit claims
Prof. Mutua said victims or their families can lodge claims through several designated institutions, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and offices of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
He noted that some complaints had already been submitted through KNCHR and IPOA, but encouraged other eligible victims to come forward and formally register their claims.
“I myself have called openly for anyone who feels that they qualify for compensation to come forward and lodge a claim,” he said.
The compensation programme is expected to address claims arising from various protest-related incidents recorded across the country over the last decade.
Documentation required
According to Prof. Mutua, applicants will be required to provide evidence supporting their claims before compensation can be considered.
For families seeking compensation following a death, the panel will require documents such as post-mortem reports, death certificates and other records linking the death to a qualifying protest or riot.
Victims claiming compensation for injuries will need to provide documentation including police reports, hospital records, medical reports and treatment bills.
“If you are injured, we would want a police report, a hospital bill, some evidence that, in fact, you are injured,” Prof. Mutua explained.
The panel is expected to assess each claim individually before determining eligibility and potential compensation.
Verification measures in place
Prof. Mutua acknowledged concerns that some individuals could attempt to exploit the process by submitting false or exaggerated claims.
However, he said the panel had established rigorous verification procedures designed to authenticate every application.
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Drawing from his experience in efforts to secure compensation for victims of colonial-era abuses during the Mau Mau struggle, Prof. Mutua said similar challenges had emerged in previous compensation programmes.
“We know these things can happen. There’s no doubt about it. That’s why we have a foolproof process of authenticating and verifying claims,” he said.
Pursuing accountability and justice
The compensation initiative is part of broader efforts to address grievances arising from protest-related incidents that have resulted in deaths, injuries, arrests and property destruction over the years.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly documented allegations of excessive use of force during demonstrations, while victims and families have long sought accountability and redress.
Prof. Mutua said the panel’s mandate is to ensure that legitimate victims receive fair consideration while safeguarding the integrity of the process through strict verification standards.
The exercise is expected to continue receiving applications as authorities work to identify eligible claimants and assess the extent of losses suffered during qualifying protest events between 2013 and 2025.
