Amnesty Kenya Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton has announced that he has suspended his participation in the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Demonstrations.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, Houghton attributed the move to a recent High Court order halting the Panel's operations.
"For the avoidance of any public doubt, I immediately suspended my participation in the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Demonstrations in accordance with Monday’s order by the High Court and my respect for the rule of law, constitution and judicial oversight," he said.
Houghton clarified that while he had been sworn in as a member of the panel, he had not taken part in any of its meetings or activities.
He added that he will not engage in any further work with the panel until the High Court provides guidance.
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"Let it be understood that apart from the swearing in, I have not participated in any meetings or activities with or for the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims in Protests and Demonstrations. I shall not do so until the High Court gives a way forward.
"I continue to advocate for judicial prosecution of all parties complicit in unlawful killings, reparations for victims and non-recurrence of brutal protest policing," he added.
On Monday, September 8, a conservatory order that temporarily halted the Panel's operations was issued following the lawyer Levi Munyeri's petition.
"The court has issued a conservatory order staying the commencement of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, pending the hearing of the main application," Justice Magare Dennis Kizito sitting at the High Court in Kirinyaga ruled.
Additionally, Kizito ordered the suspension of further implementation of Gazette Notice 12002 of August 23, 2025, which appointed the panel to establish a framework for reparations and compensation.
The court further directed that a conservatory order be issued restraining respondents, their servants, agents, or assigns from implementing, enforcing, or in any manner acting upon the proclamation by the President of the Republic of Kenya dated August 6, 2025, establishing a framework for compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests, pending the hearing of the application.
"The court has mandated that the application and interested parties be served forthwith, with respondents required to file their responses within seven days of service," the ruling added.
Kizito directed the applicant to file submissions within three days of the respondents' service, with any case set no later than September 24, 2025.
Respondents and interested parties were directed to file their submissions within three days of service but no later than September 30, 2025.
According to the court, all directions must be completed before the court reconvenes in Kerugoya on October 10, 2025.
"Take notice that any disobedience or non-observance of the order of the court served herewith will result in penal consequences to you and any other person(s) disobeying and not observing the same," the ruling concluded.
On Tuesday, August 26, Amnesty Kenya welcomed Houghton's appointment to the Panel.
In a statement, Amnesty Kenya Board Chairperson Dr. Stellah Bosire said the organization sees the appointment as a step toward addressing injustices against victims of police violence during demonstrations.
"Amnesty International Kenya welcomes the appointment of Irũngũ Houghton to the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests. For several years, we have documented and demanded justice for victims of violent suppression of protests by law enforcement officials. Only decisive action by the current administration will restore trust," the statement read.
Bosire clarified that Houghton will serve in the Panel strictly in an advisory capacity and in his personal capacity, while still remaining accountable to his work at Amnesty.
"Irũngũ Houghton joins the Panel in an advisory role in his personal capacity. His appointment will not limit his responsibility to lead Amnesty’s advocacy, litigation, and pursuit of command responsibility for the abuses that have occurred. He will remain bound by the paramount interests of the victims’ families and their demand for judicial redress," the statement continued.
