President Ruto vows to compensate families of protest victims

In his visit to Kisumu and without the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by his side, President William Ruto made a stop-over at Kondele, making the declaration on compensation of victims of protests whom he described as heroes, a complete change of attitude.

The declaration comes weeks after the High Court nullified the presidential panel of experts on compensation of victims of demonstrations, saying the mandate lies with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

“Ata kama wale walienda, kortini mimi nitahakikisha kuwa kila mmoja wenu aliyepoteza maisha yake ama aliyejeruhiwa akipigania mambo ya demokrasia ya taifa letu la Kenya, mambo ya human rights ya taifa letu la kenya…sisi tutawalipa fidia maana nyinyi ni mashujaa wa mambo ya demokrasia ya taifa letu la Kenya,” he said.

The President also responded to the call by a section of members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to hold talks on the possibility of merging forces in the 2027 General Election.

Ruto urged leaders to run campaigns based on their track record while castigating the opposition for lacking an agenda.

“Wale jamaa hawana sera, hawana agenda, hawana mpango, hawana maono…tumekubaliana na chama cha UDA na ndugu zetu na chama cha ODM tutengeneze serikali ya 2027…nyinyi watu wa Kisumu naomba ruhusa yenu jameni,” said the Head of State.

Nyando MP Jared Okello said: “Hatutoka kwa hii serikali mpaka dakika ya mwisho…so you have a job to embrace us, to work with us, and to shepherd this country.”

Earlier, the President attended the 5th graduation ceremony of Uzima University where he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his efforts in revitalising the country’s health sector.