Families of Nakuru Gen Z protest victims demand delayed Ksh.3 million compensation

Families in Nakuru who lost their loved ones during the June 2024 Gen Z protests say they are yet to receive the Ksh.3 million compensation promised by the government through the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations.

The families accuse the authorities of delays and broken promises despite submitting all the required documentation.

At her home in Pipeline Estate, Rose Kihuga recounted the painful loss of her son, Michael Kihuga, who was killed during the anti-government protests.

Holding his postmortem report and a police Occurrence Book extract, she says the documents are the only reminders of a son she believes died unjustly.

"Wakaniambia tumejaribu vile tutaweza ikashindikana… Wakamleta… niliona vile alikuwa ameuliwa kiunyama… mara ilikuwa nje alikuwa amepigwa risasi tatu za tumbo," said Rose Kihuga.

She says the family complied with all the requirements for compensation but has yet to receive any payment.

"Tukaambiwa twende Human Rights Nyahururu, nilipeleka documents zote. Wakasema majina zinapelekewa Ruto. Tukapigiwa na IPOA wakasema nipeleke account na jina yangu, nikapeleka. Hata wa leo sijapata justice," she said.

In Nakuru's Manyani area, Maria Luhola Shikwe is still grieving the death of her 17-year-old autistic son, Austine Onyisa, who also died during the June 2024 protests.

She says other affected families have already been compensated, but her family remains in limbo despite being among the first to submit their details to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

"Tangu Rais atangaze watu wanapata fidia tumezunguka kila mahali hatujapata… Nikiangalia kwa list naona wangu ni number 2, anafuata Rex Masai. Wengine wamepata, sisi bado. Tunashangaa tuko upande gani," said Maria Luhola Shikwe.

Maria says the prolonged delay has left the family frustrated and uncertain about whether they will ever receive justice.

"Tunaambiwa IPOA wametuma majina, wanasema mko kwa system. Mwezi wa tano, wa sita, wa saba imeisha, tunashangaa," she said.

The two families say they feel abandoned despite repeated assurances from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the compensation committee that their claims are being processed.

They are now calling on the government to expedite the compensation process and ensure justice for victims' families.

"Hata Rais achukue jukumu kwa polisi ndio wasione wanaoua analipa… Hata tukilipwa na wengine wanauliwa, hatuna amani," said Maria Luhola Shikwe.