The compensation panel says its services carry no fees.
Chairperson Makau Mutua urges Fredrick Ojiro to report his allegation to authorities or release evidence, while warning victims against paying fees.
The compensation panel overseeing claims by victims of human rights violations has challenged a complainant to substantiate a KSh100,000 bribery allegation. It also says two other complainants have withdrawn separate accusations involving demands for money.
In a statement issued on Monday, chairperson Professor Makau Mutua urged Fredrick Ojiro to approach the relevant authorities. Alternatively, he asked Ojiro to make public all details supporting his allegation.
Compensation panel addresses bribery allegations
Ojiro alleged that a panel member received KSh100,000 as a bribe and said he had supporting evidence. Mutua called on him to report the claim immediately or disclose that evidence publicly.
Meanwhile, Mutua said an internal investigation established that Margaret Onyango Okitch had retracted a separate bribery accusation. She had alleged that an Independent Policing Oversight Authority officer demanded KSh150,000 to process her fatality compensation claim.
Mutua said Okitch contacted panel staff at KICC to withdraw the allegation. He added that she regretted following misleading advice from a victims’ WhatsApp group. She also withdrew the accusation directly with IPOA, he said.
Mutua warns victims against paying fees
The panel also said Stellamaries Nthenya withdrew an allegation involving a KSh1,200 payment. She had accused a staff member at KICC of soliciting the money to facilitate notarisation of her affidavit.
However, Mutua said notarisation is an external service that the panel does not provide. He maintained that the panel charges no fees for its own services.
Mutua also warned victims and the public against fraudsters, imposters and brokers demanding money to facilitate compensation. He said such actors seek to defraud people pursuing claims.
The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations says it has processed 236 fatality claims. Its mandate includes overseeing compensation for victims of violations arising from demonstrations and public protests.
