Wamuchomba: Ruto’s compensation for police brutality victims a cover-up
By David Nthua, September 5, 2025Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, raised an alarm over the President William Ruto-led government’s sudden move to compensate victims of police brutality during past protests.
Speaking to a local TV station, Wamuchomba said Kenyans can tell when actions by the government are meant to cover other issues.
“I am a bit not so convinced that the government is doing this compensation with the intention to do good.
“I think to me this compensation is coming as a cover-up, a cover-up because we have not exhausted matters of inquiry,” Wamuchomba said.
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The legislator further suggested that the timing of the programme may be tied to President Ruto’s upcoming international trip.
Concerns over the inquiry process
“I am sure that the president is preparing to go to the USA and the issue of human rights violations is going to be on his shoulders, and I am sure he wants to go with a file showing that he is doing something in his country,” she added.
According to Wamuchomba, the process of compensation should only follow a full inquiry into the deaths and injuries that occurred during the protests.
She insisted that without an official conclusion to investigations, the payments risk raising more questions than answers.
Her remarks come days after government officials announced plans to fast-track compensation for families affected by the demonstrations that rocked the country in June and July 2024.
National attention on rights
The push for compensation has attracted national attention, with human rights organisations insisting that accountability and justice must remain central.
The debate also comes as international human rights groups continue to highlight concerns over the use of excessive force during protests.
The lawmaker concluded by saying that the people of Kenya are watching closely and expect transparency from the state.