Survivors of the 1998 bomb blast on Monday, August 7 held a memorial service, 25 years after the terror attack, with calls for compensation of the victims taking center stage.
In their statement, the survivors said they were still suffering and the road to seek justice has been rough.
They further called on the government to provide medical covers, post traumatic support, rehabilitation, education for their children, wheelchairs, and visas to travel around the world to meet other victims of terrorism attacks.
A section Azimio-one Kenya coalition leaders joined Kenyans for the event including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa.
On her part, Karua said while the resilience of the victims was immutable, it was time to ask for justice.
“It is time for us to ask, has justice been done to the survivors and families of the victims,” said the Azimio co-principal.
She called on both the American and Kenyan governments to come up with a plan to ensure the victims get closure as it’s a joint responsibility.
“Kenyans took the bullet on behalf of America…we should ask ourselves what we could have done better both from Kenyan and American government.
While noting that a section of those affected had been compensated through the USAID, she urged the American government to act and bring the matter to a close.
“It’s better late than never, and I hope this is the year this matter comes to an end,” she added.
“I’m also aware of the ongoing court case in America on the compensation of non-Americans but we can no longer continue waiting for justice,” she added.
Kalonzo Musyoka recalled the events where he was education minister and had to be recalled from Garissa for an emergency cabinet meeting after the blast.
“Kenyans braved the situation to save each other even though they were not as trained as they are today. Without minding political inclinations, and this is something we should emulate today,” said Kalonzo.
Similarly, Wamalwa called on US President Joe Bidden to be in the forefront to bring justice to the affected Kenyans.
“Kenya remains one of the major targets and America has been a great partner in the fight against terrorism. We’ve always stood together and it’s time to ensure justice is served,” said Wamalwa.
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Senate’s Push
Members of the Senate Ad hoc Committee pushing for the compensation to Kenyan victims led by Senator Agnes Kavindu were also present.
“We promise to ensure justice is delivered to the victims and their families as we are aware the fund is available for compensation,” she said.
Senator Kavindu also received an American flag from the families of the survivors with instructions to present it to the US in September as a sign of friendship between the two countries, even as they seek justice.
Over two hundred people died from the attack and more than 4,500 others were left wounded.
