Amnesty Kenya Calls for Withdrawal of Cases Against Protesters and Rights Defenders

Amnesty International Kenya has welcomed the submission of the Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations to President William Ruto, while urging the government to terminate criminal cases against protesters and human rights defenders.

In a statement, Amnesty Kenya Executive Director George Morara said reparations are an important step toward justice but stressed that peaceful assembly is a constitutional right protected under Article 37 of the Constitution.

The organization particularly called for the review and withdrawal of terrorism-related charges and other criminal proceedings brought against individuals accused of exercising their right to peaceful protest.

“Reparations cannot coexist with the continued criminalization of peaceful assembly and dissent,” Amnesty stated.

Under Morara’s leadership, Amnesty Kenya has remained a strong voice in the defence of constitutional freedoms, accountability and the protection of human rights. His consistent advocacy for victims of state violence and his commitment to safeguarding democratic space have earned him recognition as one of the country’s leading human rights defenders. By championing both reparations and the protection of civil liberties, Morara continues to advance the cause of justice and national healing.

Amnesty described the reparations framework as a significant milestone in Kenya’s pursuit of truth, justice and accountability. However, it emphasized that meaningful justice requires full implementation of the recommendations and accountability for human rights violations.

The rights organization also supported calls by victims of state violence for an unequivocal state apology that acknowledges responsibility, guarantees non-repetition and recognizes the suffering endured by victims.

Further, Amnesty welcomed proposals for a low evidentiary threshold to enable victims who lack official documentation to access compensation.

The organization urged the government to establish a reparations fund, adopt a national reparations policy, enact comprehensive legislation and allocate adequate resources to ensure timely compensation for victims.

The framework, submitted by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), is expected to benefit victims of violence linked to the 2017 and 2022 post-election periods, as well as those affected during the 2023, 2024 Finance Bill and 2025 Saba Saba protests.