President William Ruto has announced that the government will release Ksh2 billion to compensate victims of political protests, following the gazettement of a court-backed panel to oversee the process.
Speaking during an ODM-UDA parliamentary group briefing at the KICC on March 10, Ruto said the initiative aims to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and address the grievances of those affected.
“That is the issue of the subject we committed ourselves to, which was peaceful assembly and making sure that the victims of protests are compensated,” Ruto said.
Ruto On Protest Victims Compensation
The Head of State acknowledged the limits of compensation, quoting former ODM party leader Raila Odinga: “You can never compensate life, but you can do something about it.”
Also Read: Ruto Announces Plan for Pensions for Governors and MCAs
Ruto highlighted that victims from protests dating back to 2013 have been identified and profiled with the help of the Kenya Human Rights Commission(KHRC) and the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA).
“We have already identified all the people in there. We have provided resources… You will be approving two billion shillings to make sure that we have the resources to compensate those people,” he said.
The president indicated that the court recently provided guidance on the execution of the compensation, leading to the gazetting of a panel last week to fast-track payments.
Ruto expressed confidence that the exercise would conclude before June, allowing the government to fulfil its commitment to the victims.
Also Read: Judges to Contribute 7.5% of Their Salary as Ruto Signs New Retirement Benefits Law
Ruto Announces Plan for Pensions for Governors and MCAs
In his speech, President William Ruto also urged that governors and members of county assemblies (MCAs) be included in pension schemes.
Speaking at the ODM–UDA Joint Broad-Based Parliamentary Group meeting on March 10, Ruto said it is only fair for elected leaders at the county level to enjoy the same benefits as those in the national administration.
“On devolution again. We realized that just as we have the national administration, members of county assemblies have no pension. We all agree here in this assembly that it is only fair that governors and MCAs, as elected leaders, should have pensions,” Ruto said.
“We all agree on a system of contribution. Just as we contribute, I don’t think they will have any issues with contributing.”
Ruto said the move will be one of the ways to enhance, support, and better integrate devolution into the governance system.
This is not the first time President Ruto has called for pensions for governors and MCAs.
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