The team, chaired by law professor Makau Mutua, announced on Thursday that it had moved to the High Court in Kerugoya seeking to overturn the temporary orders issued earlier this week.
The panel explained that it filed an application asking the court to set aside the conservatory orders that had halted its work.
“The Panel has fully complied with the court order and suspended all its activities. We will continue to respect the judicial process until the court gives further directions,” Prof. Mutua stated in a press release.
The legal setback came after Justice Kizito Magare stopped the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 12002 of August 25, 2025, which had officially established the panel.
The order followed a petition filed by lawyer Levi Munyeri, who challenged the legality of the appointments.
According to the ruling, the panel’s mandate cannot proceed until the matter is heard and determined.
The case will be mentioned again in court on October 6, 2025, where the judge is expected to decide whether to uphold the suspension or dismiss the petition.
The panel’s vice chair, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo, signaled that she may reconsider her role in the team depending on the court’s guidance.
“We are bound by the law and must act within its limits. Until the court rules, the panel remains inactive,” she said.
President Ruto created the committee in August with the aim of designing a framework for reparations to victims of violent protests.
The move came after months of demonstrations across the country, some of which resulted in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property.
While the initiative was praised by some as a step toward healing, critics quickly raised concerns about its legality and independence.
They argued that such a panel required broader consultation and parliamentary involvement rather than a unilateral presidential directive.
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