President Ruto's Administration Under Pressure to Publish Protest Victims List

Human rights defenders are demanding that the government publish the list of victims set to receive the Sh2 billion compensation package for those affected by past protests amid growing pressure for transparency in the disbursement process.

The call comes after the National Commission on Human Rights led by Chairperson Claris Ogangah, presented a report to President William Ruto regarding compensation for victims of human rights violations during demonstrations.

The report was handed over during a ceremony at State House Nairobi last week attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki alongside other senior government officials.

According to the report, the compensation list compiled by the Commission covers approximately 2,000 victims affected by various rights violations linked to the protests.

However, rights defenders have raised concerns that some of the affected individuals may not be included in the official list fearing that genuine victims could be left out of the compensation process altogether.

The activists are pushing the government to make the list public arguing that transparency is essential to ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries and that no victim is overlooked due to administrative gaps or political considerations.

They have warned that without proper publication and scrutiny of the names, the entire compensation exercise risks losing credibility among Kenyans who have closely followed the painful aftermath of the protests.

The Sh2 billion fund is meant to address the suffering of families and individuals who lost loved ones, sustained injuries or suffered other forms of harm during the demonstrations that have rocked the country in recent years.

The compensation initiative comes against the backdrop of repeated criticism directed at the government over its handling of protest related deaths and injuries with families of victims previously expressing frustration over delayed justice and inadequate support.

As pressure mounts for the publication of the victim list, the government faces a critical test in demonstrating its commitment to accountability and fairness in addressing the consequences of the protests particularly with sensitivities still running high ahead of planned commemorative activities marking past demonstrations.