Raila Demands Justice for Victims of 2024 Protests in Powerful Madaraka Day Speech
Odinga demanded immediate compensation for families who lost loved ones during the 2023 and 2024 anti-government protests.
“During the prayer breakfast, there were apologies from you and the Speaker,” Raila told Ruto directly.
“But then there are issues of people who were injured. They should be compensated. This will help their families so that we can close the chapter.”
He stressed that a simple apology wasn’t enough. Instead, he called for real action and financial justice for the victims.
Ruto’s Apology Was a Start—But Not the End
Odinga acknowledged Ruto’s public apology during the National Prayer Breakfast. The president apologized to Gen Z protesters and to Tanzania.
The apology followed a passionate sermon by American preacher Rickey Allen Bolden, who urged political leaders to seek forgiveness and embrace unity.
However, Raila insisted that apology alone cannot heal wounds.
“It was a good gesture. But that is just a step on a long journey to full reconciliation,” he said.
Remembering the Protests That Shook Kenya
Odinga reminded the nation of the March to August 2023 protests, sparked by disputed elections and rising living costs.
Later, in 2024, young people poured into the streets again, rejecting the proposed Finance Bill.
The protests turned violent. Dozens of innocent Kenyans—mostly youth—lost their lives.
Police fired tear gas and bullets. Blood flowed in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Mombasa.
Government Silent, Families Still Grieving
Raila’s demand was not new. He has repeatedly urged the state to compensate Gen Z protesters and Azimio supporters killed or injured during the unrest.
Yet, Ruto’s silence on compensation remained deafening—even on Madaraka Day
Protect Devolution, Don’t Revive Provincial Systems
Besides compensation, Raila also warned against reintroducing provincial administration. He said this would undermine devolution.
He further urged Parliament to resolve the revenue standoff between counties and the national government.
“Let us not destroy what we fought so hard to build,” he pleaded.
Raila’s Message: Truth, Justice, and Peace
His speech lasted just six minutes—but the impact was thunderous.
Justice. Reconciliation. Compensation. That was Raila’s demand.
Whether Ruto responds remains to be seen.
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Raila Demands Justice for Victims of 2024 Protests in Powerful Madaraka Day Speech
