Amnesty International-Kenya’s Irungu Houghton Quits Protest Victims Panel

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, 9 January 2026 - Amnesty International-Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton has resigned from the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, citing constitutional concerns and a recent High Court ruling that questioned the panel’s legality.

In a resignation letter dated 9 January 2026, Houghton said his decision takes immediate effect and is anchored on the Kerugoya High Court judgment delivered on December 4, 2025, which declared the panel unconstitutional.

“I have resigned from the Panel of Experts with immediate effect. My decision follows the President’s January 5, 2026 extension of the Panel’s mandate for a further 180 days despite the 4 December 2025 Kerugoya High Court ruling mandating the KNCHR,” Houghton said.

The court ruled that the legal and constitutional mandate to handle compensation for victims of human rights violations lies with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), not a task force established by the Executive. Houghton said this decision fundamentally changed the legal standing of the panel.

“The ruling materially alters the legal basis and institutional legitimacy of the panel’s continued existence,” he noted, adding that as a constitutionalist, he was duty-bound to respect court decisions and protect the independence of constitutional bodies.

“Continuing to serve on the Panel under these circumstances risks normalising an arrangement that the Court has expressly found to be unconstitutional and undermines the central role assigned to KNCHR by law,” he stated.

The panel, appointed by President William Ruto to oversee reparations for victims of demonstrations and public protests, had its mandate extended by 180 days on January 5, 2026 — a move Houghton said directly informed his decision to step aside. His resignation comes months after Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo also quit the panel.

Houghton also distanced himself from a December 15 application filed by the panel seeking to stay the High Court ruling, saying the inclusion of his name as an appellant was “erroneous”. He disclosed that he had suspended his participation in the panel on September 1, 2025, pending the court’s decision, and was neither consulted nor informed about the application.

“I did not enter appearance when listed as an interested party, trusting that the High Court would offer a way forward,” he said, adding that he only learnt of the stay application on 8 January 2026.

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He further pointed out that the application contradicted his publicly stated views, including those expressed in a 6 December 2025 opinion article in which he argued that the panel should comply with the court’s decision and allow KNCHR to lead the compensation process.

While reaffirming his commitment to justice and reparations for victims of state violence, Houghton stressed that constitutional order and the rule of law must come before expediency.

“Through KNCHR, the High Court has offered the Presidency a legal and pragmatic way to compensate the affected and restore its integrity before the nation,” he said, warning that continued pre-emptive litigation could further delay justice for victims and their families.

Houghton clarified that his resignation should not be read as an endorsement of the court ruling by the panel, but as a principled stand rooted in constitutional fidelity.

He urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth, justice and reparations in line with the Constitution and the court’s determination.