Irungu Houghton Resigns from Protest Victims Panel
Irungu Houghton, Amnesty International Kenya Director, resigned immediately from the protest victim’s compensation panel. Moreover, his decision followed constitutional concerns after the Kerugoya High Court declared the panel illegal.
Court Ruling Alters Compensation Framework
On December 4, 2025, the Kerugoya High Court ruled the President lacked authority to establish a parallel compensation body. Consequently, the judgment affirmed KNCHR as the sole institution mandated to verify, investigate, and compensate protest victims.
Houghton explained that serving on the panel would normalize an unconstitutional arrangement and weaken KNCHR’s constitutional role. Additionally, he stressed that the ruling fundamentally altered the panel’s legal foundation, making its continued existence untenable.
Houghton Distances Himself from Appeal
In his January 9, 2026, resignation letter, Houghton objected to being listed as an appellant without his consent. Furthermore, he clarified that he suspended involvement in September 2025 to await the court’s determination.
He emphasized that he did not participate in the appeal process challenging the High Court’s ruling. Moreover, Houghton reiterated that KNCHR remains the legitimate body to advise the presidency on protest-related compensation.
He warned that continued litigation could obstruct victims and families seeking justice and reparations. Finally, he expressed gratitude for serving victims but insisted that fidelity to the Constitution must take precedence.
Broader Implications
Houghton’s resignation highlights tensions between constitutional mandates and executive actions. Therefore, the High Court ruling reshaped the compensation framework, reinforcing KNCHR’s central role while limiting the panel’s functions.
His departure underscores the importance of safeguarding constitutional integrity and ensuring victims’ rights remain protected within lawful institutions.
