Lipa Victims Sasa”: Families of Protest Violence Victims Issue Final Demand for Immediate Compensation

By Irene Mwende 

Thousands of families affected by protest-related violence have issued what they describe as a strong and final demand for immediate compensation, saying years of waiting, court battles, and unfulfilled promises have left them in deep pain, poverty and uncertainty.

In a passionate statement, the victims said many families lost breadwinners during protests, leaving widows, children and dependents without financial support. Despite the passage of time, they claim that a significant number of affected households have received no compensation.

“Thousands of Kenyan families are living in pain, poverty, and uncertainty after losing their loved ones during protests. Breadwinners were killed, families were shattered, and children were left without support. To date, many of these families have received nothing. Tumesahaulika sasa,” the statement read.

The group said they had exercised patience and respected institutions but that their endurance had now run out.

“We have waited patiently. We have listened to promises. We have respected institutions. But our patience has been exhausted. Lipa victims sasa,” they declared.

According to the victims, compensation is long overdue and cannot continue to be tied to lengthy legal processes.

“Families cannot eat court rulings. Children cannot go to school on legal arguments. Widows cannot survive on promises. We need compensation now, not tomorrow,” they said.

The families strongly condemned what they termed as the continued use of court processes to delay and frustrate victims’ cases. They warned against turning the justice system into what they described as a “marketplace” where suffering is prolonged for interests unrelated to justice.

“Toka kotini tulipwe. End court delays and broker interference,” the statement emphasized.

They also raised concerns about what they called a growing and dangerous perception that certain brokers—referred to as “token kotini”—are benefiting from prolonged cases while victims continue to suffer. According to the group, these middlemen are allegedly extending legal battles for personal, political, or financial gain.

Additionally, the victims accused some civil society actors and self-appointed activists of slowing down the compensation process while claiming to represent affected families.

“They do not represent us. They fundraise in our name, yet families remain hungry. This betrayal of victims must end,” the statement added.

The group expressed unequivocal support for the President’s initiative to compensate victims of protest-related violence, describing it as a direct, humane and practical solution that should not be sabotaged or redirected by court battles, brokers or external agendas.

Their message, they insisted, is clear and non-negotiable:

“Lipa victims sasa. Toka kotini tulipwe. End court delays and broker interference.”