Mbadi reveals Ruto’s instruction to allocate money for protest victims’ compensation
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has publicly backed the government’s move to compensate victims of police brutality during recent nationwide protests, revealing that he has received a direct instruction from President William Ruto to ensure funds are disbursed without delay.
Speaking on Friday, August 8, 2025, during the burial ceremony of Pheobe Asiyo in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, Mbadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice and healing, especially for those who suffered at the hands of security agencies during the protests that erupted over economic and governance grievances in 2024 and 2025.
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“The victims of brutality are going to receive compensation. And you have instructed me, Your Excellency, that I make funds available. I just want to commit here that funds will be available to compensate those who have suffered at the hands of law enforcement officers so that we can open a new chapter in this country, a chapter of the rule of law and a chapter of respect to human rights,” he said.
The CS emphasised that this gesture is not only about financial assistance but also about restoring public trust and accountability.
The protests, which took place in major cities including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, saw the loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of property. Civil society groups have consistently called for both compensation and prosecution of those responsible for excessive force.
Reaffirm political roots
Mbadi also used the opportunity to reaffirm his political roots.
“Your Excellency, my party, which at one time you were a member of, and of course, I serve in your executive in charge of national security, but you know very well that I belong to the ODM party, and I am not about to relinquish that membership,” Mbadi said.
In addition to compensation, Mbadi announced that the National Treasury is ready to release funds to counties for the 2024/2025 financial year.
“I want to announce here that for the financial year 2024/25, we made sure that we release all the money to the counties to support county governments,” he said.
“Even now, even without the passage of the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, I want to announce to the people of Kenya, having shared with you, Your Excellency, that on Monday and Tuesday, we will pay all the money for July to the counties, so that counties can run their operations.”
The Treasury is expected to begin the disbursement of both victim compensation and county funds in the coming days.
