Compensate victims of Gen-Z protests, Raila urges government

Raila Odinga speaking during 58th Madaraka Day Celebrations at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium Kisumu on June 1, 2021. [Collins Oduor, Standard] ODM leader Raila Odinga on Sunday used the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay to make a passionate appeal for stronger devolution, unity, and healing for families affected by past political protests. Speaking at the Raila Odinga Stadium during the 62nd Madaraka Day commemorations, Raila called for compensation for families who lost loved ones during last year's Gen Z protests and earlier demonstrations. "President Ruto asked for forgiveness at the National Prayer Breakfast. That was a good start. But we must go further-there should be closure. Families who lost their sons and daughters must be compensated. It's the only way to heal and move forward," he said. But as he spoke in Homa Bay, Kenyans were still demanding the release of digital marketer Rose Njeri for creating a website that allowed citizens to submit their objections to the Finance Bill, 2025. The arrest of Njeri, coming just days before June 25, the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests that led to the deaths of about 65 Kenyans and the maiming of several others, puts the government in a fresh spot. On the portal, Njeri pinpointed what she thinks are the thorny issues and invited Kenyans to do the same, giving the option of adding more issues visitors deem problematic in the Bill. In his speech, however, Raila urged the government to compensate families who were affected by the Gen Z protests to complete what he described as national healing. He also praised devolution and challenged the government to strengthen it. "Today's beautiful occasion is one of the signs that devolution is alive and serving Kenyans," Raila said, addressing thousands of residents gathered to mark the national holiday. "It is a testament that devolution is working." Raila reminded Kenyans of the struggles of the country's founding fathers 62 years ago, saying they fought hard for freedom and laid the foundation for the Kenyan dream. "They gave us a vision of a united, peaceful country. That dream was captured in our national anthem. Today, we must carry it forward," he said. He emphasized that peace goes beyond the absence of violence. "Peace means having food on the table. A mother should not go to bed hungry; a child should not drop out of school due to fees. That is the peace we need," Raila told the crowd. The opposition leader called on President William Ruto to protect and strengthen devolution by ensuring that counties receive adequate resources. "Let resources come down. That is how you make devolution work. Some services can and should be managed at the county level," he said. He cautioned against any attempts to bring back the old provincial administration system, saying it belongs to the past. "Do not resurrect the provincial administration. That chapter is closed. We moved on," Raila said. Raila also urged members of parliament to focus on legislation while allowing counties to implement development programs. He pleaded with lawmakers to support a proposal to allocate Sh450 billion to the counties in the upcoming budget. "Let's empower counties to serve their people. That is how we grow Kenya," he said.

Compensate victims of Gen-Z protests, Raila urges government

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