The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has verified 259 claims for compensation in Phase VI of its compensation programme, with a total of Ksh83.65 million set to be paid to eligible victims.

In a statement on Thursday, October 8, Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations Chairperson Makau Mutua said the claims cover different categories of harm, including aggravated, severe, moderate and minor injuries, as well as economic losses. 

"The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has processed claims under various categories of harm in this Phase VI of the compensation programme that includes both civilian victims and uniformed officers who suffered human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests," the statement read.

According to the update, the largest allocation in Phase VI will go to 35 victims who suffered severe injuries, with each verified claim attracting Ksh1 million, translating to Ksh35 million.

A further 54 victims with moderate injuries will receive Ksh500,000 each, amounting to Ksh27 million, while 133 victims with minor injuries will receive Ksh50,000 each, totalling Ksh6.65 million.

The Panel also verified seven claims under aggravated injury, with four victims set to receive Ksh2 million each, two receiving Ksh1.5 million each and one receiving Ksh2.5 million. These claims amount to Ksh13.5 million.

Another 30 victims whose claims were verified under economic loss will receive Ksh50,000 each, bringing the total allocation for the category to Ksh1.5 million.

 The Panel said it continues to receive claims through official channels and encouraged victims who have not yet submitted their claims to come forward for consideration.

"The Panel continues to receive submissions of claims through various official channels. Victims who have not yet come forward are urged to do so for consideration. We remain committed to ensuring no eligible individual is left behind," the statement added.

The Panel said every claim is subjected to a verification and authentication process before a decision is made, with individual claimants expected to be informed of the outcome.

"Every claim received undergoes careful verification and authentication before a decision is reached. The Panel will notify each claimant of the outcome in due course. We ask for patience and trust as this important work is completed. We remain accountable and will continue to provide periodic public updates on the programme’s status," the statement further read.

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The Panel further said it remains in contact with victims and beneficiaries during the compensation process to address concerns and provide clarification on the status of claims.

"We stay engaged with victims and beneficiaries throughout this process. These interactions allow us to hear their concerns, clarify the status of claims, and ensure every eligible victim is treated fairly and with the dignity and respect they deserve," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, President William Ruto has announced that the government will compensate families of the victims whose bodies were found in River Yala.

Ruto issued the directive on Wednesday, October 7, during the dedication of the Raila Odinga mausoleum at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi.

He stated that the late Raila Odinga strongly agitated for compensation for victims of protest and extrajudicial killings, and as such, he was committed to realising the goal.

Ruto added that so far, the government has committed Ksh2 billion towards the compensation, and that verified claims have already been settled.

"This compensation will extend to the families of the many whose bodies were discovered here in Rive Yala and other victims of extrajudicial disappearances," he stated.