Gachagua: What President Ruto Should Do Before Compensating Victims of Protests

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now wants President William Ruto to end extrajudicial killings before compensating victims of protests.

Speaking on Sunday, August 10, during a diaspora townhall engagement in San Francisco, California, Gachagua demanded that the president rescind his shoot-on-the-leg order.

He also asked President Ruto to countermand Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s shoot-to-kill directive.

“How do you kill people, then you compensate them? What he (President Ruto) should do before he talks of compensation is to first stop the killings and rescind his order to shoot in the leg.

“He should also rescind Kipchumba Murkomen’s shoot-to-kill order. It is in order to compensate families that have lost their children, but it is immoral to kill children and then compensate their parents,” said Gachagua.

The DCP Party leader further said President Ruto should admit liability and apologize to Kenyans and parents of the victims of demos.

“The president needs to admit liability and apologize to the parents of the victims and the people of Kenya,” Gachagua added.

On Friday, August 8, President Ruto announced the establishment of a special framework to provide compensation to victims of demonstrations and protests since 2017.

He noted that the compensation will also cover police officers and other security personnel affected during the protests.

"There is compelling national interest in establishing a framework for accountability, redress, and reparations for victims of demonstrations and public protests, including civilians and security personnel who lost their lives or suffered bodily harm during public protests and riots since the year 2017," Ruto stated.

The Head of State appointed Prof. Makau Mutua as the Principal Coordinator of the State intervention.