The panel of experts on compensation of victims of human rights violations has dismissed claims that its compensation programme has stalled, insisting that verified victims continue to receive payments and urging the public to disregard misinformation that could discourage deserving claimants from seeking justice.
In a statement issued on Thursday, panel chairperson and principal coordinator Prof. Makau Mutua said reports suggesting that the compensation process had stopped or was not taking place were false and misleading. He maintained that the programme remains active and has recorded growing confidence among victims.
“The panel has compensated victims and continues to do so. Suggestions that the process has stalled, ceased or is nonexistent are inaccurate and malicious,” Prof. Mutua said.
According to the panel, the positive response from victims has been reflected in an increase in the number of compensation claims submitted, signalling growing trust in the process.
Prof. Mutua acknowledged that compensation is not immediate, explaining that every claim must undergo a detailed verification process before payments are approved.
He said each application is subjected to strict scrutiny to confirm eligibility, validate supporting evidence and ensure that only legitimate beneficiaries receive compensation.
The panel stressed that claimants must also provide explicit consent before any payment is processed, describing the measures as necessary safeguards to protect public funds from fraud rather than unnecessary delays.
“This rigorous approach is not a delay; it is a safeguard against fraud and a guarantee that public funds are directed to those who genuinely deserve them. The panel will not compromise on this standard of accountability,” the statement added.
The panel appealed to victims who have not yet submitted their claims to come forward, assuring them that the programme will continue until every eligible victim has been considered.
It said compensation would continue on a rolling basis, with the objective of ensuring prompt, fair and dignified redress for all verified victims of human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests.
At the same time, the panel criticised individuals it accused of spreading inaccurate information about its work, warning that such claims were causing unnecessary anxiety among victims already affected by traumatic experiences.
“Certain individuals, lacking direct knowledge of the panel’s activities and, in some cases, motivated by ill intent, continue to spread inaccuracies,” the statement said, urging members of the public to verify information before sharing it.
The panel also announced plans to periodically publish and gazette the names of beneficiaries throughout the compensation programme.
It said a comprehensive list of all beneficiaries would also be made public once the exercise is complete, in line with legal requirements and principles of accountability.
However, the panel clarified that publication of beneficiaries’ details would only be done with their explicit consent, as required under the Data Protection Act, noting that the law is intended to safeguard victims’ privacy, dignity and personal security.
Beyond financial compensation, the panel said it is also providing psychosocial support to victims.
“Our offices remain open to all victims,” the panel said, adding that those seeking assistance can visit its offices at the ground floor of the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi or reach the secretariat through its official email address and telephone contacts.
Prof. Mutua reaffirmed the panel’s commitment to a victim-centred process guided by integrity, transparency and compassion.
“The suffering of victims demands nothing less than our full commitment to justice, dignity and accountability,” he said.
The panel reiterated that its mandate remains focused on ensuring that victims of human rights violations receive fair compensation while maintaining transparency, protecting public resources and upholding the rights and dignity of every claimant throughout the process.
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