Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton has announced his surprise suspension from President William Ruto’s Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Demonstrations.
Houghton said his decision was guided by respect for a High Court order that had halted the operations of the panel pending determination of a legal challenge.
The outspoken human rights advocate emphasized that his move was based on principle, adding that the rule of law and judicial authority must be upheld above political considerations.
The panel, unveiled by President Ruto earlier this year, was tasked with identifying and compensating victims of violent protests and demonstrations across the country. However, its legality has been contested in court, drawing sharp scrutiny from civil society and opposition leaders.
