Wamae criticises government’s protest compensation plan
Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has criticised the government’s plan to compensate victims of police brutality, especially young protesters from the Gen Z movement.
In a statement on her X account on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Wamae quoted the Bible to question the decision, referring to Psalm 49:7-9. She said the scripture makes it clear that no amount of money can redeem a life or pay a ransom to God for it.
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Wamae questioned the logic behind the compensation plan, suggesting that such an approach risks reducing the profound loss and suffering experienced by victims and their families to a financial transaction. She maintained that the government should instead focus on accountability, justice, and systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies, rather than attempting to attach a price tag to lives cut short.
“Bible-driven government. In the Bible, particularly in Psalm 49:7-9, the concept of paying to redeem a life is explicitly rejected. It states that no amount of money can buy back a person’s life or pay a ransom to God for it, highlighting the infinite value of life and the limitations of human ability to overcome death. Why compensate Gen Z?” Wamae stated.
Ruto’s proclamation
Her remarks came a day after President William Ruto announced the creation of a special government initiative to compensate those affected by police brutality during past protests. In a presidential proclamation, Ruto said the program will run for 120 days and will address grievances of those injured or who lost loved ones during demonstrations.
“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 compensation plan has been welcomed by some political leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has been pushing for such a program.
Raila, speaking during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, said the move is an important step towards national 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,” he said.
