President Ruto has unveiled a new framework to compensate victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security officers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries since 2017.
In a presidential proclamation issued on Wednesday, President Ruto said that the initiative seeks to balance the constitutional right to protest with the responsibility to ensure public safety and accountability.
The framework will be coordinated by the Executive Office of the President in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Office of the Attorney General, the National Treasury, and other relevant state agencies.
The head of state appointed Makau Mutua, who is Senior Advisor for Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, as the principal coordinator of the program for the 120-day duration.
The president explained that while the 2010 Constitution has expanded democratic freedoms, some of the protests have turned violent, causing injuries and fatalities.
He also clarified that such action is to provide redress and reparations for victims, as well as advancing accountability in the exercise of civic freedoms.
