ODM party leader Raila Odinga on Sunday renewed his push for the government to compensate victims of police brutality during past protests, including the June 2024 anti-tax demonstrations by the youth.
Addressing President William Ruto during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, Mr Odinga urged the Head of State to accompany his public apology to the youth with compensation to the families of those killed as well as those who were injured by security agents during the protests.
Raila Odinga on Ruto to compensate anti-govt protests victims
The former Prime Minister also called for the protection of devolution through the provision of adequate resources even as he rejected any attempt to revive the colonial-era provincial administration.
Speaking at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay before a crowd of more than 12,000 people, Mr Odinga called on the President to honour the commitments of the 10-point agreement between ODM and UDA signed earlier this year.
Reflecting on the unrest that has gripped the nation over the past two years, including opposition-led and youth-driven (Gen Z) protests, Mr Odinga acknowledged the recent apologies issued by the President and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula during the National Prayer Breakfast.
However, he emphasised that words alone cannot bring closure for those who lost their loved ones or were injured.
“Mr President, I heard your apology and that of the Speaker, it was a commendable first step toward reconciliation. But we must go further. Families who lost their kin and those who were maimed deserve compensation. Only then can we truly turn this painful page of our national history,” said Mr Odinga.
On Wednesday last week, President Ruto made a public apology to Gen the Z after being prompted by an American preacher during the National Prayer Breakfast. The apology was met with scepticism amid ongoing reports of abductions and enforced disappearances.
At least 60 people were killed during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests that rocked the country, with 600 protestors arbitrarily arrested, according to a report by Amnesty International.
Mr Odinga’s address was a blend of reflection and resolve. He recalled Kenya’s journey to independence 62 years ago, warning that political freedom means little if Kenyans still face poverty, insecurity and division.
“Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is when every Kenyan has food, dignity and unity, just as our founding fathers envisioned,” he said.
Lauding development projects in Homa Bay as proof that devolution can work, Mr Odinga urged the President to empower county governments with more resources and responsibilities.
“Let us here today, from this podium, affirm commitment to allocate Sh450 billion to counties in the upcoming budget, as we agreed. That is how we can make devolution real,” he said.
He also called for the transfer of additional functions from the national to county governments, underscoring the importance of deepening decentralisation for efficient service delivery.
But his most forceful warning was against the resurrection of the provincial administration, a structure synonymous with repression during the colonial and President Daniel Moi eras.
“Your Excellency, I plead with you, do not resurrect the provincial administration. It is a relic of colonial rule and has no place in a free, democratic Kenya,” he said.
This concern follows the government’s reactivation of security coordination between chiefs and the police through the newly implemented National Government Administrative Police Unit, a reversal of the 2018 policy that had curbed chiefs’ authority over law enforcement officers. Critics fear this could signal a regression toward centralised, authoritarian control of the citizenry.
The ODM leader also urged members of Parliament to focus on their constitutional role of legislation, representation and oversight, while allowing county governments the space to implement development projects independently.
“If MPs stick to their constitutional mandates and let counties manage development, this nation will grow faster and more equitably,” he said.
He concluded his address with a unifying message to the Luo community, affirming his commitment to their collective journey and promising clear direction in the days ahead.
