MP Peter Masara on compensation: Govt has realised something went wrong
Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara has said the formation of a committee to look into the compensation of victims of police brutality during the 2024 and 2025 Gen Z protests is a clear indicator that the government has felt sorry.
Masara, speaking on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, said that the move marks the beginning of a healing journey for families and communities that lost loved ones or endured injuries during the nationwide demonstrations.
Government’s shift in tone
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According to Masara, the government had initially dismissed the protesters as criminals, insisting that their actions were unlawful.
However, he noted that the decision to establish a committee dedicated to compensation shows a recognition that mistakes were made.
“Compensation is the beginning of everything. At least the government has realised that something went wrong. Initially, they were talking about those protesters were criminals who were not supposed to go into the streets.
“But forming a committee on compensation is a good step, especially for me and my people,” he said.
Masara’s constituency, like many parts of the country, witnessed heavy crackdowns that left scars both emotional and physical.
For him, the process of compensation should not only provide financial redress but also serve as an acknowledgement of the pain endured by citizens during the protests.
On the UDA-ODM pact
The legislator also weighed in on the political truce between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing it as a turning point that saved the country from collapse.
He said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two major parties had stabilised Kenya at a time of unprecedented political tension.
“On MoU between UDA and ODM brought this country together because it was almost going to the drain,” Masara observed.
He added that cooperation across political divides remains vital in steering the nation forward and ensuring that contentious issues such as police excesses are addressed responsibly.
Masara urged the compensation committee to act quickly and transparently, stressing that justice delayed would further hurt families who are still mourning.
He emphasised that accountability, alongside compensation, must define the state’s approach to avoid a repeat of the violence that marred the Gen Z protests.
