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Onyonka demands legal process in protest victim compensation
11th August, 2025 01:46 AM
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has supported the government’s plan to compensate victims of past protests, but insists the process must strictly follow the law.
In a statement shared via his X account on Sunday, August 10, 2025, the Senator stressed that while providing financial relief to affected individuals and their families is a commendable step, it should not bypass due process.
According to Onyonka, justice will only be achieved if the process is transparent, lawful, and accompanied by the prosecution of those responsible for the deaths that occurred during the demonstrations.
“Compensation to those who were killed in demonstrations is welcomed, but it MUST be done within the law. Those who were killed must be prosecuted for justice to be realised. We are not going to allow kangaroo ways of compensation,” Onyonka stated.
His remarks come days after President William Ruto announced the creation of a special government initiative to compensate those affected by police brutality during previous demonstrations.
In a presidential proclamation on August 8, 2025, Ruto said the program will run for 120 days and will focus on grievances from people injured or bereaved as a result of protests.
“The Executive Office of the President shall discharge this mandate in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the National Treasury, and other relevant State agencies. The tenure of this special coordination framework shall be 120 days from the date hereof, August 8, 2025,” the proclamation read.
President Ruto appointed Makau Mutua as the Principal Coordinator of the initiative.
The plan has drawn praise from some political leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has long pushed for such a program.
Speaking during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, Raila welcomed the move, calling it a crucial step towards reconciliation.
“Two years ago, we were on the streets, and also last year, the Gen Zs were on the streets. During the prayer breakfast recently, apologies were being made, which is wonderful as a first step towards reconciliation. However, there are issues with people who were injured and who died during that time. I want to say we should compensate the families of those who were injured and died so that we can have closure to this chapter of our nation’s history. We want Kenyans to live in peace and unity,” Raila said.
