Irungu Houghton, a prominent human rights advocate and Executive Director of Amnesty Kenya, has accepted an appointment by President William Ruto to the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, despite his past criticisms of the government.

• Amnesty International Kenya welcomed the appointment, stating Houghton’s role will be advisory and in a personal capacity, not impacting his advocacy duties.
• The Panel of Experts is a 15-member body co-chaired by Ruto’s Senior Advisor Makau Mutua and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo Mony.
• The panel’s mandate includes verifying victims, authenticating data from institutions like IPOA and KNCHR, and recommending reparations, with a report due in 120 days.