Constitutional scholar and legal expert Makau Mutua has called for reforms in Kenya’s human rights, justice and security institutions, saying the country risks repeating past mistakes unless it addresses past abuses and strengthens accountability.
Speaking during a briefing with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga on efforts to compensate victims affected by recent protests, Mutua said the compensation process should form part of broader reforms aimed at improving relations between citizens and state institutions.
“The lessons of history are condemned to repeat themselves unless we start laying the foundation for normative change in our human rights culture and turn a new leaf in the relationship between our law enforcement agencies, security forces and the justice system,” Mutua said.
He said compensation for victims of protest related violence was an important step toward justice but should be accompanied by measures to prevent future abuses and strengthen accountability within security agencies and the justice system.
Mutua called for a governance framework that places human rights at the centre of public policy, arguing that reforms within security institutions were necessary to restore public confidence and reinforce democratic values.
Oginga said the compensation process should be conducted transparently and without delay, adding that victims and their families deserved justice and closure. He also thanked William Ruto for apologising to Kenyans over alleged abuses that may have occurred during his administration.
“We cannot continue to normalize suffering among our people,” Oginga said urging the process must be transparent, fair and fast, because every Kenyan deserves dignity and justice when their rights are violated.
He said compensation should be accompanied by reforms designed to prevent future violations and strengthen institutions tasked with protecting citizens.
The briefing focused on progress made in efforts to compensate individuals and families affected by recent protests, with stakeholders outlining procedures being followed to deliver compensation and support to victims.
Leaders present at the meeting said accountability, institutional reforms and justice for victims were critical to promoting national healing, reconciliation and democratic renewal.
Among those in attendance were Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanya and several members of the panel tasked to oversee the compensation process.
The discussions come amid growing calls from rights advocates and political leaders for reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and protecting constitutional freedoms during public demonstrations.
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