The government has taken a significant step toward compensating victims of human rights violations, particularly those affected by police brutality over the years, in a new framework aimed at advancing transitional justice and reconciliation.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga announced that he joined President William Ruto at State House during the reception of the Report on the Framework for Preparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations, which will guide the compensation process.
Oburu said the initiative was deeply associated with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, noting that it was a long-standing commitment to victims of police brutality and political violence.
“As we move towards a First World Kenya, it is absolutely vital that we firmly uphold justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. To this end, I also urged Kenyans that while it is our constitutional right to protest and picket, let us always do so within the guidelines provided by the law to avoid police and citizen conflict,”he said.
He emphasized that although financial compensation cannot fully account for loss of life and suffering, it represents an important step toward justice and national healing.
According to him, the compensation process will be implemented through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) in collaboration with a committee chaired by Professor Makau Mutua.
The framework is expected to identify victims, verify claims, and oversee payments as part of a broader transitional justice programme.
Oburu further urged Kenyans to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully, warning against actions that could trigger confrontation with law enforcement agencies.
He also called on political leaders to discourage the use of hired goons and the mobilization of vulnerable youth to disrupt public order during political activitie