Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for the compensation of victims who were injured or lost their lives during the 2023 Azimio anti-government protests and last year’s Gen Z demonstrations. Speaking in Mombasa, Raila emphasized that those who suffered injuries must be compensated, while the families of those who lost their lives should also receive financial redress.
According to the ODM leader, compensation for the victims is a key condition in the ongoing discussions with the government. However, he stressed that beyond compensation, the most crucial issue is ensuring that such violent incidents do not recur in the country.
“Wale vijana ambao walipata majeraha na wazazi wa wale ambao waliuawa mwaka wa 2023 wakati wa maandamano ya Azimio na ya mwaka jana ya Gen Z wapewe ridhaa au jamii yao wapewe ridhaa. Hio ni sharti ambalo tumeweka tukubaliane. Muhimu zaidi ni kwamba maneno hayo yakome yasiwe yanaendelea katika nchi yetu,” Raila stated.
(Loosely translated: “The youths who were injured and the parents of those who were killed in 2023 during the Azimio protests and last year’s Gen Z protests should be compensated, or their families compensated. That is a condition we have agreed upon. The most important thing is that such acts should not continue in our country.”)
During his remarks, Raila highlighted other pressing issues that have emerged from his consultations. These include ethnic discrimination in employment opportunities, corruption, the weakening of devolution particularly in the health and education sectors and the arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of citizens.
He insisted that these are just some of the many issues Kenyans want to see addressed to promote fairness and justice in governance.
The Mombasa meeting was held at the Elimu na Mazingira Building ahead of a crucial consultative session with the ODM Mombasa branch leadership. The discussions, led by Mombasa Governor and ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir, focused on strengthening party structures, enhancing grassroots mobilization, and aligning the party’s vision with the aspirations of the people.
“As we continue to advance the ideals of justice, inclusivity, and development, this engagement reaffirms our commitment to unity and progress within the ODM family and for the people of Mombasa,” Nassir remarked.
With the political climate heating up, Raila’s demand for compensation adds a new dimension to the ongoing talks between the opposition and the government, setting the stage for potential policy changes and social reforms.
