Concerns mount over protest compensation

As the 21-day deadline for victims and families of those killed in protests to register with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights draws closer, there are concerns over the transparency, independence and clarity of the compensation process.

Human rights organisations and the families have raised alarm over what they described as a lack of clarity, limited outreach and a rushed timeline, saying the process risks losing public trust if not handled carefully.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi yesterday, relatives of victims and civil society groups said many affected families still do not understand how to participate in the process.

They also said confusion over documentation requirements, eligibility criteria and timelines has left many victims uncertain about how to register claims.

Concerns were also raised about documentation, with activists saying some families are unable to obtain required documents, such as death certificates, in time.

Death certificate

“My son was killed during the protests, but I only have his identity card. The commission asked me to take the death certificate for me to register the case,” said Edith Wanjiku, a mother of Ibrahim Kamau, who was shot by police at Parliament during the June 2024 Gen-Z protests

Wanjiku expressed worry that she may not obtain the death certificate in time to beat the registration deadline set for April 3, 2026.

The families claimed that some government institutions are deliberately delaying some of the documents.

The families also complained about what they described as limited outreach beyond Nairobi, stating that most victims just know the commission’s office in the city.

“KNCHR must clearly outline and publicise all designated points of data submission across the country. Victims should not be left guessing where and how to present their claims. Accessibility is central to inclusion, and no victim should be excluded due to a lack of information,” said Geoffrey Mboya, an activist.

In response, KNCHR chairperson Clarice Ogangah defended the process, saying the commission has provided multiple channels for victims to submit their claims.

“When we gave out the notice, we didn’t say that everyone should come to Nairobi. We gave all the collection points in our six offices. We have given a toll-free number where one can call to get information on what is needed, as we are also receiving documents through email and WhatsApp,” said Ogangah.

She insisted the process is accessible and voluntary.

“It is a voluntary process and what we can do is to urge people to come and register because once the registration process closes, it is out of our hands,” she said.

Civil society groups argue that the 60-day timeline given for KNCHR to develop the reparations framework is insufficient for a process of such scale.

90 days

“Those 60 days are not enough. It should have been 90 days at the very bare minimum. The problem with hurrying this process is that it is bound to encounter challenges and mistakes,” said Vocal Arica Executive Director Hussein Khalid.

“Families are in distress. They want things done quickly. The expectations are too high and it is only logical to allow more time for this process to be undertaken fairly,” he added.

However, the KNCHR chairperson noted that the presidential proclamation gave them 60 days to complete the process. Ogangah said the process started in August last year, but it was slowed down by a court case filed to challenge the compensation panel.

However, the High Court made a judgment in December 2025 that declared the commission as the sole constitutionally mandated body responsible for compensation and reparations for victims of human rights violations.

After the December 4 ruling, the President issued a proclamation directing the commission to decide on a reparation framework and establish a list of the victims to be compensated within 60 days.

The commission had given a 21-day notice to victims of protests and families of those killed who had not registered their cases to do so by April 3, noting that it is impossible to extend the deadline.

“This process only covers victims of demonstrations and protests,” said Ogangah.