High Court halts implementation of Ruto’s protest victim compensation framework

The High Court in Kerugoya has issued conservatory orders temporarily halting the implementation of President William Ruto’s directive establishing a framework for the compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests.

Justice Kizito Magare certified the application dated September 5, 2025, as urgent and directed that it be heard inter partes.

"Pending the hearing, the court stayed the commencement of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests and suspended the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, which had appointed the panel to establish a reparations framework," reads the order.

Further, the court restrained the respondents, their servants, agents, or assigns from enforcing or acting upon the presidential proclamation of August 6, 2025, on compensation for victims of demonstrations and riots until the application is heard.

Justice Magare also ordered that the respondents and interested parties be served immediately and file their responses within seven days of service.

The applicant will then have three days to file submissions, but not later than September 24.

Respondents and interested parties are required to file submissions within three days thereafter, and in any case, not later than September 30.

The matter will be mentioned for directions on October 6 before the High Court in Kerugoya.