ODM party leader Raila Odinga has asked the Kenya Kwanza government to compensate families affected by 2024 Gen Z protests. Photo: Raila Odinga X.
Former prime minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga, has asked the Kenya Kwanza government under President William Ruto to compensate the families whose loved ones were killed during the Gen Z led protests in June 2024.
Speaking during the Madaraka Day Celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay County, Raila told the president that the compensation, a process in reconciliation will back up the apology earlier offered by leaders during the National Prayer Breakfast.
Acknowledging their fallout in the past, Raila added that the fall out that saw a series of demonstration in 2022 and 2023, that called for reduction of the high cost of living , also left families with injured relatives, who also need to be compensated.
“There were several challenges and two years ago we were in the street, and even last year their were in the street, the Gen Zs. I saw that during the National Prayer Breakfast, there were apologies that were being made, that is wonderful, the first step to reconciliation. But for people who were injured, people who died during at that time, I want to say that there should be compensation, to those families who were injured, and those whose children died, so that we can have a closure to this chapter, as we all want Kenyans to live in peace and unity,” Raila remarked.
In his speech during the National Prayer Breakfast, President William Ruto asked for forgiveness from the Gen Zs, on the missteps from the administration, remarks that were earlier made by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
The calls of reconciliation and national cohesion were sparked by the sermon from United States pastor Rickey Bolden, who urged the head state to ask for forgiveness from Gen Zs, following the atrocities done to them during their peaceful protests against the controversial 2024 Finance Bill.
However, a section of youths from Marsabit said the president’s apology was not genuine and honest, as he was compelled after the teachings by Bolden. They said forgiving the president is hard, as they lost their colleagues who were the hope for their families and the country, and some are still missing while others were killed.
