Post-election chaos victims in Mumias demand compensation

Joash Amweye who was shot in the stomach at Egero shopping center in Mumias

Victims of the 2007/2008 post-election violence from Mumias want the Government to compensate them.

They have also asked leaders to unite and advocate for peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.

They said they have waited for seven years to be compensated after they were shot by police officers when the chaos broke out, but this has not been forthcoming.

Joash Amweye, 65, said he was hit in the stomach as police engaged demonstrators in running battles and he has been waiting for seven years for compensation.

"I was in the dark about what was going on as I had gone back to my work after voting. I just heard youths shouting and gunshots," he said.

Mr Amweye said he was among seven people who were shot by police during the demonstrations at Ekero.

"Two died on the spot. The same bullet that hit me had also hit two other people," he said.

Property auctioned

Amweye said he was rushed to St Mary's Hospital Mumias where he underwent two operations.

He said the hospitalisation depleted his family's finances and even led to the auctioning of his property after he failed to service a loan he had taken from K-Rep Bank.

"I filled the compensation forms issued to me by the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, but I have been paid nothing," he said.

Ali Wangalwa said he was also shot in his right hand during the skirmishes by police officers he claimed were firing at anyone in sight.

"I escaped death narrowly," said Mr Wangalwa.

The father of four daughters also appealed to all leaders to accept defeat during elections and preach peace and unity among Kenyans.

"I still feel bitter about the incident," he said.

They now want the the Government to pay them for the injuries they sustained as it had done to some of victims of the violence from other parts of the country.

They also said Kenyans should learn to co-exist peacefully irrespective of their tribe and political affiliations.