Kenya's Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests is urging victims of police brutality to register their grievances and compensation claims before the November 14 deadline. The panel, led by Professor Makau Mutua, has so far compensated over 1,000 victims, disbursing Ksh.1.2 billion. The panel's mandate is set to expire, but they are considering seeking an extension.
The panel's chairman, Professor Makau Mutua, made the appeal when he met with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has been supporting the panel with investigative data on victims of police brutality. IPOA Chair Duncan Ojwang' stated that IPOA has 90% of the data of those who have been hurt in protests, and that the process was led by independent investigators without bias.
The compensation process is part of a larger effort initiated by the president to address police brutality. The panel was given Ksh.2 billion, and by now, they have given out about Ksh.1.2 billion. Mutua emphasized that the exercise of repair is the first in a long series of processes, including prosecution and enacting laws governing protests.
The panel has compensated victims across different categories, including deaths, injuries, and economic losses. However, the payments have done little to ease the pain of families who lost their loved ones. The family of Rex Masai, who received compensation, says the payment was welcome, but the prolonged court case has taken a toll on them.
The family of Rex Masai is urging the government to expedite the proceedings. Masai's mother, Gillian Munyao, expressed frustration with the court case, saying "Naskia uchungu sana hadi wa leo kesi ya Rex haijaamuliwa." Masai's father, Chrisphine Odawa, added that they have forgiven, but they pray that it does not happen to someone else.
Mutua emphasized that the compensation process is separate from investigations into police brutality and will not shield anyone found culpable from accountability. The panel is urging Kenyans who have not yet registered their claims to do so before the November 14 deadline to avoid being left out of the process.
The compensation panel's efforts are ongoing, with the goal of providing reparations to victims of police brutality. The panel's work is crucial in addressing the grievances of victims and their families, and their call for registration is a reminder that time is running out for those who have not yet come forward.
Key points
- The panel has compensated over 1,000 victims, disbursing Ksh.1.2 billion.
- The panel's mandate is set to expire on November 14, but they are considering seeking an extension.
- The compensation process is separate from investigations into police brutality and will not shield anyone found culpable from accountability.
