Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has expressed concerns over President William Ruto’s decision to appoint a team to look into compensation for victims of protests in the country.
The team will be led by the President’s adviser, Prof Makau Mutua.
He noted that during the recent Gen Z protests, youths raised issues that the government should address comprehensively, rather than offering compensation to those injured or killed.
Speaking in Kitale on Saturday, Natembeya urged the government to ensure that security personnel uphold the right to life during constitutionally protected protests.
“We want the government to ensure that young people are not harmed when they exercise their right to protest over genuine concerns,” he said.
He added that lives lost cannot be compensated with money, and the government’s priority should be to protect citizens’ lives.
Meanwhile, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the compensation plan would also include security officers who were killed or injured during the protests.
He noted that many security personnel have been affected and that their welfare would be considered by the team.
“We welcome the decision to form the committee as directed by the President so that we can assist those affected during the protests,” Murkomen said.
Speaking in Keiyo South constituency, he said his ministry would collaborate with the presidential team to ensure timely completion of its work.
