As the country prepares to mark the second anniversary of those killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, victims of police brutality are demanding answers from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) over its reparations programme.
Hawa Sheila, 26, from Mathare, vividly remembers the day that changed her life forever, leaving her blind and dependent on well-wishers and her young children. She was hit in the face by an exploding tear gas canister.
While national attention focuses on the list of beneficiaries captured by the commission for compensation, her only wish is to see her children again.
“I don’t have money for treatment. I thank God I am alive, but I long to go back to my normal life, to take care of my children and see them,” Ms Hawa said.
The mother of three now wants to know whether she is among those listed for compensation by the KNCHR, which recently announced that it had concluded the selection of victims for a Sh2 billion compensation package.
“I also want to benefit so that I can take care of my children and myself,” she added.
Alex Munyua, who was also shot during the demonstrations in the Pipeline area, questioned why the commission has taken so long to publish the list of victims to be compensated.
“I lost my job after spending two weeks in hospital. My parents had to support me financially since I could not take care of myself. I submitted my details for compensation, but I have not received any feedback,” he said.
Kenya Human Rights Commission official Ojiro Odhiambo said the Sh2 billion for compensation is inadequate compared to the number of people killed, injured or traumatised by police during the demonstrations.
“They have injuries and many are still going through therapy. They should be supported until full recovery. The reparation framework should be a continuous process,” he said.
He also faulted the process for being too technical, saying many victims cannot understand or meet the requirements.
“There are too many legal requirements, yet evidence is in the public domain. Why is KNCHR relying mainly on State agencies? Some victims do not trust police records because some incidents were wrongly recorded as accidents,” he said.
In Kitengela, Ms Emily Ochieng, 24, recalls the evening of June 25, 2024. That day, her husband Evan Oduor, then 27, was shot dead. He was the family’s sole breadwinner. Since then, she said, it has been difficult to support her children, forcing her to take two of them to her rural home under the care of her mother, while she remains with her youngest.
“I live from hand to mouth. I cannot afford decent housing or food for myself and the child I live with,” she said.
She said the mention of protests still brings her trauma and hopes the government will expedite compensation for victims of police brutality.
Another widow, Khadija Riami, 24, said her husband, Vincent Ayamo, 28, a mechanic in Kitengela, was shot dead while trying to return home. His death left her struggling to survive through casual jobs. “After his burial, my world shattered. I now live with my parents in a congested rental house,” she said.
Separately, sections of the business community and religious leaders in Kitengela have opposed the June 25 commemoration saying it risks triggering chaos and economic disruption.
Maa Unity Agenda leader Jonathan Pasha said traders would work with security agencies to prevent destruction of property.
Kitengela Slaughterhouse chairman William Kasio called for protection of businesses.
Kajiado County police boss Alex Shikondi said police are on high alert to prevent any imported violence across Kitengela and surrounding towns.
