Court orders Sh105 million reserved for victims of torture, abductions and enforced disappearances

The High Court has directed the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests to allocate Sh105 million specifically for victims who have suffered torture, abductions, and enforced disappearances. Judge Gregory Mutai made this ruling while awaiting the outcome of a petition that questions the government's method for identifying and verifying eligible victims for compensation.

The contentious verification process, introduced under Presidential Proclamation No. 1 of 2026, was put on hold by the court until the petition is resolved. However, the judge did not suspend the entire compensation program. Instead, eligible victims, except those suffering from torture, enforced disappearances, and abductions, can still receive compensation, with the stipulation that the Sh105 million remains earmarked and untouched for the specific categories of victims until the legal challenge's resolution.

The funds will be preserved for these victims until the court makes a decision on the petition. The case will move forward to a hearing, where the court will decide if the authentication process is legally sound and applicable to victims seeking compensation.