Victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other human rights violations in Kenya have renewed calls for government compensation, citing years of emotional and physical suffering.
The survivors, who gathered in Nairobi to mark the International Day for the Right to Truth, questioned the status of the Ksh. 10 billion reparation fund established by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015.
Many of the victims, including survivors of sexual violence during the 2007/08 post-election crisis, lamented that they have yet to receive any form of compensation. Some of the women who bore children as a result of sexual violence now have teenagers turning 17 years old, yet they continue to struggle with economic and psychological burdens.“We have been left to nurse both physical and emotional scars for years without any support,” one survivor stated.
The victims also urged the government to implement the recommendations of the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), which documented historical injustices and proposed reparations for affected individuals.
In a speech delivered by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga acknowledged the injustices suffered by Kenyans over the years and emphasized the need for accountability and justice.
Other leaders present, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, echoed similar sentiments, calling on the government to take concrete steps in addressing past human rights violations.
The gathering also highlighted concerns over recent human rights abuses, citing the deaths, injuries, and abductions linked to the recent Gen Z-led demonstrations.
The victims urged authorities to institute measures that will prevent further violations and protect citizens’ rights.The victims vowed to continue pushing for justice, urging the government to prioritize reparations and uphold human rights for all Kenyans.
