Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has defended the government’s Sh2 billion compensation programme for verified victims of human rights violations and police brutality, dismissing criticism from sections of politicians while urging affected families to accept the payouts.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, the Siaya Senator said the compensation initiative was championed by ODM in collaboration with the Uwiano Human Rights Violations and Compensation Panel under the leadership of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Oburu said the programme was intended to provide both material justice and official recognition to victims and families who suffered rights violations between 2017 and 2025.
“Disbursements have already commenced. We are ensuring that families who endured past injustices receive material justice and formal recognition from the State,” he said.
While acknowledging that financial compensation cannot replace lives lost, Oburu appealed to beneficiaries to accept the payments, noting that they represent an important step towards justice.
The compensation programme forms part of the 10 point agreement underpinning the broad based government arrangement between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.
His remarks come amid criticism from a section of victims’ groups who argue that victims of enforced disappearances and torture were excluded from the initial phase of the programme.
The compensation exercise is being implemented by the Prof. Makau Mutua led Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, which verifies claims before making direct payments to beneficiaries.
Under the compensation framework, families of victims who lost their lives receive Sh3 million each, while victims of severe injuries or sexual violence are entitled to Sh1 million.
Those with moderate injuries receive Sh500,000, while minor injuries and economic loss claims attract Sh50,000 each.
During the first phase, the panel disbursed Sh448.7 million to 348 verified victims, including families of those who died, survivors of severe and moderate injuries, victims of sexual violence, and those who suffered economic losses.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is overseeing the verification process, with compensation only being paid after beneficiaries consent and their claims are authenticated.
Oburu also lauded Kenyans for maintaining peace during the June 25 Gen Z commemoration, saying the restraint demonstrated by citizens helped avert violence and economic disruption witnessed during previous protests.
“The calm witnessed across the country was a deliberate choice by Kenyans who heeded calls for peace, restraint and national stability,” he said.
He urged the National Police Service to adopt a rights based approach when policing demonstrations, saying officers should protect peaceful protesters instead of treating them as enemies.
According to Oburu, ODM is advocating reforms that would require organisers of public demonstrations to issue only a notice of intent rather than seek police permission.
He maintained that ODM’s decision to work with the government through a broad-based arrangement was aimed at achieving lasting policy reforms rather than pursuing political confrontation.
Among the gains, Oburu cited the proposed National Infrastructure Fund Bill, 2026, which seeks to mobilise Sh5 trillion over the next decade from domestic pension funds, local private capital and other alternative financing sources to reduce dependence on foreign borrowing.
He further said the cooperative approach had helped shield businesses, traders and transport operators from losses associated with violent demonstrations.
Oburu announced that ODM will soon embark on nationwide grassroots consultations aimed at strengthening party structures and preparing for future political engagements, saying the party remains committed to advancing human rights, economic empowerment and national development.
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