Kenya’s president has directed the government to compensate victims of past political protests by June, setting aside Ksh2 billion for the exercise and urging lawmakers to approve the funds quickly.

Speaking during a joint parliamentary meeting between members of the United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement on Tuesday, William Ruto said the process had already begun and should be completed within months.

The money, he said, has been included in a supplementary budget submitted to Parliament.

“I took the first step and gazetted a victims’ compensation panel,” Mr Ruto told the meeting. “Even as the courts held it, we did some work. We have identified all the victims and profiled their names.”

He added: “We have a comprehensive list of all the victims of protests from 2017. It is our belief that unless something happens, we should be able to conclude this exercise before June.”

Victims from several years

The compensation plan will cover people affected by protests between 2017 and 2024, expanding the scope beyond the most recent demonstrations.

Kenya has experienced several waves of political unrest during that period, often linked to disputed elections or rising economic pressures. Rights groups have documented deaths, injuries and property damage during some of these protests.

Mr Ruto said victims had already been identified with the help of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

The government now wants Parliament to approve the Ksh2 billion allocation to ensure payments can begin.

Framework for compensation

The president recently directed the human rights commission to prepare a framework outlining how compensation would be handled.

In a gazette notice issued earlier this year, the commission was given 60 days to develop guidelines and publish a report detailing how victims would be identified and compensated.

Officials say the framework is expected to guide the government on eligibility criteria, payment procedures and oversight measures.

Mixed reactions expected

The plan could offer relief to families who have waited years for recognition and support after violent demonstrations.

However, rights groups have previously urged the government to ensure that compensation is transparent and inclusive, and that investigations into alleged abuses by security forces continue alongside the payment process.

For now, attention turns to Parliament, where lawmakers will decide whether to approve the funds that could determine whether the president’s June deadline is met.