Ruto Extends 10-Point Agenda Committee, Promises KSh2 Billion for Protest Victims

President William Ruto has approved a 60-day extension for the committee overseeing the 10-point agenda he agreed on with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The committee’s original term was set to end on March 7, 2026, but officials requested extra time to complete their work.

Speaking during a joint Orange Democratic Movement and United Democratic Alliance Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Ruto praised the committee’s efforts. “The committee requested only 60 days for them to conclude what they are doing. And I think it is only fair. They have done a great job; I think it is only fair that we extend by 60 days,” he said.

The President said the committee has made progress in identifying and profiling protest victims from as far back as 2017. “We have identified all the victims and profiled their names. We have made sure we have a comprehensive list. We went back all the way to 2017 to make sure all affected are captured,” he told MPs.

Ruto added that a new parliamentary “broad-based mediation committee” would be formed to accelerate the work of the existing group. The government has also set aside KSh2 billion to compensate victims of protests over the past six years. “It is our belief that unless something else happens, we should be able to complete this exercise before June,” he said.

In addition, the President proposed drafting a law to protect protesters, noting that peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right. He asked the Kenya Human Rights Commission to take the lead on this initiative. “Let there be a law on how to protect protesters because it is a constitutional right. We do not want to propose the law from the executive,” he said.

The move demonstrates the government’s commitment to completing the 10-point agenda while ensuring justice and protection for citizens affected by past protests. With the extension, funding, and new committees in place, officials hope the agenda can be fully implemented before mid-year.