Aasai

Peoples Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has called for the prosecution of those responsible for police brutality against Kenyans during protests before the government implements its plan to compensate victims. Addressing journalists on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Karua said it was unacceptable for the government to focus on compensation while perpetrators of extrajudicial killings and violence against protesters went unpunished.

 Karua further noted that the continued use of excessive force by security forces against peaceful protesters has eroded public trust and created fear among citizens. She demanded a firm assurance that the machinery of government would no longer be used to suppress dissent through violence, stressing the need for a strong commitment to protecting the rights of all Kenyans. 

She also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the new government compensation committee, saying the matter is already before the courts. According to her, the plan risks being undermined if it does not adhere to transparency, legality, and the principle of justice. "We are asking how you are organising the compensation team before the issues of providing justice to the victims, because there can be no peace without justice. We want the perpetrators to be prosecuted. We want a commitment that guns will no longer be used to kill, injure and harm innocent people who are demonstrating their rights. We also believe that the committee has been set up illegally. "I will not go to court after a month," said the President.

 William Ruto announced a 120-day plan to compensate victims of the protests that began in 2017. The plan was to be implemented by an Expert Panel led by Professor Makau Mutua and Kenya Bar Association Deputy President Faith Odhiambo. The 18-member panel, gazetted on August 25, 2025, also included the likes of Kennedy Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, John Olukuru and Juliet Chepkemei. Its technical team included Richard Barno, Duncan Ndeda, Jerusah Mwaathime and Raphael Ngetich. The panel was given the task of verifying and classifying victims, verifying data with agencies such as IPOA and KNCHR, and recommending compensation.

 If the evidence was admissible, it was also expected to recommend accountability measures in consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, on Monday, September 8, the Kerugoya High Court stayed the presidential proclamation and suspended the work of the panel. 

Justice Dennis Magare issued an order to the conservators to suspend the compensation scheme pending the hearing of an application challenging its validity. The court also stayed Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, restraining government offices from implementing the scheme. The case is scheduled to be mentioned on October 6, 2025.