During a visit to Kisumu, President William Ruto assured residents that the government would provide compensation to those who lost their lives or were injured in protests, hailing them as defenders of democracy.
Speaking in Kondele without the presence of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the President’s remarks marked a noticeable shift in his approach toward addressing protest victims.
He said that the government would personally ensure victims and their families receive support, even as legal processes continue.
“Ata kama wale walienda, kortini mimi nitahakikisha kuwa kila mmoja wenu aliyepoteza maisha yake ama aliyejeruhiwa akipigania mambo ya demokrasia ya taifa letu la Kenya, mambo ya human rights ya taifa letu la kenya…sisi tutawalipa fidia maana nyinyi ni mashujaa wa mambo ya demokrasia ya taifa letu la Kenya,” he said.
The statement comes weeks after the High Court ruled that a presidential panel previously set up to handle protest compensation had no legal authority, asserting that the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has the official mandate.
The decision raised questions about the process for compensating families of victims, yet the President emphasized that it would proceed.
On political matters, Ruto responded to suggestions from some Orange Democratic Movement leaders to explore joint efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He urged politicians to focus on tangible achievements, criticizing the opposition for lacking direction.
“Wale jamaa hawana sera, hawana agenda, hawana mpango, hawana maono…tumekubaliana na chama cha UDA na ndugu zetu na chama cha ODM tutengeneze serikali ya 2027…nyinyi watu wa Kisumu naomba ruhusa yenu jameni,” he said.
Nyando MP Jared Okello reinforced the President’s message of collaboration, vowing that leaders from the region would continue to serve in government.
“Hatutoka kwa hii serikali mpaka dakika ya mwisho…so you have a job to embrace us, to work with us, and to shepherd this country,” he said.
Earlier, the President participated in the fifth graduation ceremony of Uzima University, where he received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contributions to revitalizing Kenya’s health sector.
