Victims of 2024 Kenya police violence say compensation promise a 'smokescreen'

The Gen-Z protests in Kenya marked a significant political shift, uniting young people across ethnic divisions to demand accountability.

However, the demonstrations resulted in heavy casualties, with IPOA reporting 62 deaths in 2024 and 65 more during anniversary protests in 2025. Rights groups say most victims were killed by police and security forces.

President William Ruto recently announced a 2 billion-shilling compensation fund for victims of protest-related violence, but many families argue that financial payments cannot replace justice. Few cases have reached court, and no police officers have been convicted.

Human rights organizations have also raised concerns over abductions of government critics, many of whom remain missing.

Critics view the compensation program as an attempt to deflect attention from unresolved abuses and a lack of accountability.

Victims and their families continue to demand justice, insisting that compensation alone will not address the harm caused or prevent future violence.