Prof. Makau Mutua, chairperson of the committee of experts on protest victims' compensation, has defended the committee's constitutional appointment by President William Ruto, clarifying its sole mandate is to facilitate compensation for protest victims dating back to 2017.

• The **18-member** committee aims to provide financial compensation and psychological counseling.
• Prof. Makau Mutua dismissed claims of duplicating work done by bodies like the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR).
• The panel will also make referrals to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for action against individuals culpable of atrocities.