The survivors rejected what they termed an incomplete apology from the state. They also want the panel of experts on compensation to make public the list of those set to receive payouts.
The survivors are also demanding for accountability from both the panel and the state, particularly regarding perpetrators of violence against them.
Hours after the President acknowledged state excesses that left thousands dead, maimed and businesses destroyed, the Coalition of Victims and Survivors Against State Violence said the President’s remarks did not go far enough.
“No apology can erase the bloodshed, trauma and pain inflicted on people whose only crime was exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest,” stated Joshua Okayo, an abduction survivor.
“Because the brutality and excesses were personal, the apologies should also be personal. We therefore expect the President to extend the same apologies directly to the victims,” stated Nick Karanja, an advocate for survivors.
The framework unveiled on Monday provides for a Ksh.2 billion compensation fund to address more than 1,100 claims involving loss of life, injuries, torture, abductions and enforced disappearances, among other violations. However, survivors say there is a need for clarity on when and how the compensation will be disbursed.
“Kenyans will not tolerate further delays, excuses, bureaucracy or political sideshows meant to frustrate victims once again. Compensation must be swift, transparent, seamless and conducted in good faith,” stated Bernard Kavuli, a survivor.
The survivors and victims’ families also took issue with the number of people included in the compensation list, arguing that both the number of beneficiaries and the compensation package should be significantly increased.
Beyond the figures, they want accountability and justice, particularly for those responsible for the violations.
“My question to the President is this: if you have admitted that our children disappeared, that some were abducted, and that others were killed, why are you speaking about events that happened long ago instead of addressing these recent cases?” stated Mwende, a relative of a victim.
“We expect investigations into police officers and all those involved in the shootings, torture, kidnappings and killings to proceed. They should be held accountable. Compensation does not erase the criminal responsibility of those involved in these acts,” stated a survivors’ representative.
The survivors say they expect compensation payments to begin within a week, warning that failure to do so will trigger nationwide demonstrations.
