Kisumu, Kenya — In a landmark judgment, the High Court in Kisumu has awarded compensation ranging from Sh300,000 to Sh4.8 million to 28 victims and survivors of the 2023 anti-government protests, holding the police accountable for excessive use of force and directing sweeping reforms in public order management.
Justice Alfred Mabeya ruled that the Inspector-General of Police and the National Police Service (NPS) were liable for violations committed against civilians who were killed or seriously injured during demonstrations against the high cost of living between March and July 2023.
“It goes without saying that having suffered death and various injuries through the deprivation of their rights and freedoms, they are entitled to compensation,” Justice Mabeya stated.
The Court directed the NPS to develop new guidelines on public order management, use of force, and firearms within 90 days. The process will be supervised by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Additionally, IPOA and the NPS must complete investigations and provide status updates within the same timeframe, with the Court warning of further orders in case of non-compliance.
Evidence presented in court revealed that police operations during the protests resulted in nine deaths, including that of a child, and left 18 others with severe, life-altering injuries.
Victims were shot, beaten, and assaulted in their homes and neighborhoods. Some survivors continue to live with bullets lodged in their bodies, while others underwent amputations or surgeries for gunshot wounds.
Among the cases highlighted:
- Brian Oniang’o, dragged from his home in Nyalenda on July 20, 2023, later died from injuries inflicted by police officers.
- William Akhala Amulele, similarly beaten, succumbed to his injuries three days later.
- Joshua Lucas Kiwendo, a 17-year-old, was shot while running an errand for his parents and died months later from complications.
Survivors, alongside the Law Society of Kenya (Kisumu Chapter), the International Justice Mission (IJM), and other human rights organizations, hailed the ruling as a long-overdue step toward justice.
“The decision by the Court sets a significant precedent and marks a major step forward for justice in Kenya,” said Vincent Chahale, Country Director of IJM Kenya. “For far too long, survivors have faced the disheartening reality of inaction from the State, but this decision signifies that their pursuit of justice is valid, essential, and consequential.”
The ruling comes amid growing concerns over police brutality in Kenya. The Missing Voices Coalition reported that 131 people were killed or disappeared in 2025, with the majority of cases occurring during protests in June and July.
Justice Mabeya noted that the NPS failed to submit evidence in response to the claims, denying the court an opportunity to understand why such force was used against unarmed civilians.
“The victims were in good health before their encounter with the police. The use of excessive force by members of the NPS led to the severe injuries suffered by the survivors, thereby infringing on their rights to security of the person and human dignity,” the judge said.
Human rights advocates say the ruling sends a clear message that unlawful police violence will not go unchecked.
“This judgment gives survivors hope, but our work is not finished,” added Chahale. “Many cases of police abuse remain unresolved. Survivors deserve answers, and independent investigations must follow to rebuild trust in our institutions.”
The Kisumu judgment is expected to set a precedent for future cases, reinforcing the principle that state accountability is essential to protecting life, dignity, and democracy in Kenya.
