Families of protest victims seek extension of compensation deadline

The families, accompanied by human rights activists, argue that the current 60-day window is insufficient and risks excluding deserving victims, potentially undermining the integrity of the compensation exercise.

With just days remaining before the deadline, several affected families say they have yet to complete their applications. They point to inadequate guidance on submission requirements and limited access to the Commission’s offices as key barriers.

A meeting scheduled for Monday to address their concerns was reportedly cancelled at the last minute, further heightening frustration among victims and their families.

Some families say they have travelled long distances in pursuit of assistance, only to encounter confusion and limited support.

“We came ready to engage, but found police at the venue and no clear direction. We are not in conflict with the government — we are simply seeking compensation and justice,” said Kelvin Simba, whose brother died during the protests.

Others highlighted the financial strain involved in accessing the process, especially for families outside Nairobi.

“There is only one office in Nairobi, yet victims are from places like Mombasa, Kisumu and Kakamega. Some parents cannot even afford transport to come here,” said Edith Wanjiku, who lost her child.

Families of missing persons say the documentation requirements are unclear and may exclude certain categories of victims.

“My child is missing. When I present documents, they ask for proof of death or injury. I have an OB report, but they say it is not enough,” said Mary Getitia.

The families are now urging KNCHR to extend the application period to allow adequate time for submissions, while also seeking clarity on eligibility criteria, including the timeline of incidents covered under the compensation plan.

Human rights organisations have echoed these concerns, warning that the limited timeframe could lead to a rushed and exclusionary process.

Activists are also calling for full transparency and independence in the exercise, cautioning against political interference.

“This process must be conducted ethically and carefully. Otherwise, we risk repeating past mistakes,” said Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa.

Additionally, stakeholders are pushing for an increase in the compensation fund, currently set at Sh2 billion, arguing that it may be insufficient to cover the scale of victims nationwide.

They are also urging authorities to prioritise victims of the recent Gen Z-led protests, noting that many families are still grappling with fresh trauma and have yet to rebuild their lives.

The KNCHR has yet to respond publicly to the calls for an extension.