“We Are Still Bleeding”: 1998 US Embassy Bombing Survivors Demand Ruto’s Intervention Ahead of US VP Visit
Survivors of the 1998 US Embassy bombing in Nairobi have issued a powerful plea to President William Ruto. They want him to personally raise their long-ignored compensation demands with US Vice President JD Vance, who is expected in Kenya later this month.
“27 Years of Pain, Still No Justice” — Survivors Cry Out
On Thursday, November 6, the survivors, under a group called The Consortium, addressed the media after a court session on their compensation case. Their message was clear and urgent.
“We have waited for 27 years. We are still bleeding. We need justice now,” one survivor said tearfully.
The August 7, 1998, bombing killed over 200 people and injured more than 5,000. A truck bomb exploded outside the US Embassy at the busy Moi Avenue–Haile Selassie Avenue junction, leaving behind devastation and lifelong trauma.
“Mr. President, Speak for Us” — Survivors Appeal to Ruto
The Consortium urged President Ruto to prioritize their plight during his engagements with the US delegation.
“We ask President Ruto to speak for us. We need his voice to break this silence,” the group pleaded.
They believe the upcoming visit by VP Vance presents a rare opportunity to push for long-overdue compensation from the US government.
“Parliament Promised, Then Forgot” — Senate Report Still Gathering Dust
In 2023, the Senate formed an Ad Hoc Committee led by Senator Agnes Kavindu to investigate the matter. The committee met victims, lawyers, and government ministries. It even submitted a progress report titled “Compensation of 1998 Bomb Blast Victims.”
However, the survivors say nothing has changed.
“The report was tabled, but no action followed. We feel abandoned,” said a Consortium spokesperson.
The report highlighted major gaps, including the lack of victim registration with the disability council and the absence of a dedicated desk at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
“Why Were We Left Out?” — US Compensation Excludes Kenyan Victims
The survivors also questioned why US compensation schemes have excluded Kenyan victims. While some non-American nationals have received support, most Kenyans have not.
“We were there. We suffered. Why are we not eligible?” asked a survivor.
They called on both governments to correct this injustice and ensure equal treatment for all victims.
“Gen Z Victims Deserve Justice Too” — Consortium Expands Call
In a bold move, the Consortium also demanded justice for victims of recent Gen Z protests. They drew parallels between their own suffering and the state’s failure to protect and compensate young protesters.
“Neglect is a pattern. From 1998 to now, the pain continues,” they said.
They urged the government to stop ignoring its wounded citizens.
“Beware of Fraudsters” — Survivors Warn of Fake Groups
Finally, the Consortium warned the public about fraudulent groups pretending to represent bombing victims.
“These imposters exploit our pain for profit. We are the real survivors,” they declared.
They called for transparency and unity in the fight for justice.
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“We Are Still Bleeding”: 1998 US Embassy Bombing Survivors Demand Ruto’s Intervention Ahead of US VP Visit
