Ruto moves to meet key Raila demands with protest victims payout

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the funeral of Mama Phoebe Asiyo in Wikondiek, Homa Bay, Kenya on August 9, 2025.

Photo credit: PCS

President William Ruto of Kenya has unveiled a state-backed framework to compensate victims of protests dating back to 2017, fulfilling one of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s most persistent demands and highlighting the growing cooperation between the two leaders.

The plan, announced in a presidential proclamation on Friday, cites a “compelling national interest” in redressing harm suffered by both civilians and security personnel during protests.