Victims of police brutality linked to the 2024 anti-government demonstrations have threatened to stage fresh protests, accusing the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) of leaving out hundreds of survivors from the government’s compensation programme.
The affected individuals, represented by the Mathare Social Justice Centre, claim the current verification process has unfairly locked out many people who suffered injuries during the demonstrations despite having medical documents and other supporting evidence.
They have warned that unless their concerns are addressed, they will take their protests to the commission’s offices.
“If the government does not answer our questions, we will strike inside the headquarters of the KNCHR. We will move there as all the victims and survivors,” said Frederick Ojiro, a human rights defender.
The group argues that some of the requirements adopted by KNCHR and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have made it difficult for genuine victims to qualify for compensation.
Among the challenges raised is the requirement to provide witnesses, which they say many people cannot meet because those who assisted them fear possible retaliation from law enforcement officers.
“I have the things they are asking for, but I am not able to produce a witness. Many times, when I went to make a report to IPOA and asked those who helped to move me from the scene to the hospital, they refused, raising concerns about police coming after them,” said Anthony Wesonga, a victim.
The survivors further allege that some police stations declined to record complaints when the incidents occurred, making it difficult to build the documentation now required for compensation claims.
They believe this has contributed to the exclusion of a significant number of victims from the final list of beneficiaries.
According to figures released by KNCHR, close to 2,000 compensation claims were received, including 1,022 submitted through IPOA.
Out of those applications, 1,101 were approved, covering violations ranging from loss of life and torture to sexual violence and enforced disappearances.
Despite the announcement, the victims say many questions remain unanswered.
They are seeking greater transparency on who qualified, the criteria used to determine eligibility, the amount each beneficiary is expected to receive and the timeline for the release of funds.
The group is also pushing for accountability beyond financial compensation, insisting that officers found responsible for human rights violations should face criminal prosecution.
They further want reports filed through civil society organisations, the Law Society of Kenya and media houses to be considered during the verification process.
The renewed demands come as the government prepares to begin releasing part of the Ksh2 billion compensation fund established for victims of protest-related human rights abuses recorded between 2017 and 2024.
With the anniversary of the June 25 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations approaching, survivors say justice will only be achieved through a transparent compensation process and meaningful accountability for those responsible for the alleged abuses.
