Beyond Apologies: Raila Urges Government to Compensate Protest Victims

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for compensation for families affected by the deaths and injuries of Kenyan youth during the 2024 anti-tax protests.

Speaking during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Odinga urged President William Ruto’s administration to provide restitution to the victims’ families, saying this would be a meaningful step toward national healing and justice.

Odinga acknowledged the recent apologies offered by political leaders during the National Prayer Breakfast, led by President Ruto, but emphasized that these should only mark the beginning of broader reconciliation efforts.

“It is wonderful as a first step to reconciliation. But then there are people who were injured and others died. I want to say that we should compensate the families of those who died and those injured so that we can have closure to this chapter of our national history,” Odinga said.

He stressed that peace and unity remain the foundation of Kenya’s growth since independence, and that leaders must uphold these values to safeguard the nation’s future.

President Ruto, who has faced growing public pressure following the brutal crackdown on youth-led protests, issued an apology during the National Prayer Breakfast, saying:

“To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologise. We want to build a relationship that will make our country great.”

Despite the apologies, many cases of police brutality and assault during the protests remain unresolved, with affected families still waiting for justice and accountability.

Odinga’s call underscores growing demands for the government to match words with action—and to recognize the lives lost not just with remorse, but with meaningful redress.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.