Machakos Senator Dan Maanzo has criticised the government’s handling of victims affected by recent protests, warning that continued loss of life followed by compensation payments reflects misplaced priorities that could cost taxpayers billions meant for development.

Speaking with a local station on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Maanzo said the State must focus on protecting lives instead of allowing preventable deaths before later announcing compensation programmes for affected families.

“I hope the government is not going to see more loss of life, only to later compensate families. That compensation money for people who should not have been killed in the first place could instead be directed towards development,” Maanzo said.

The senator further questioned the government’s commitment to recently announced compensation promises, arguing that Kenyans are yet to see any victims receive payments despite official assurances issued last week.

“The government promised to pay Gen Z victims by the end of last week. I can assure you by today no single compensation has been done yet. Kenyans are yet to see more,” he stated.

Ksh2 billion compensation debate emerges

Maanzo argued that public funds currently being allocated for compensation could be redirected toward national development if authorities prevented avoidable deaths during demonstrations and public unrest.

“This Sh2 billion being used for compensation could have been done on development,” he added.

His remarks come days after a government-backed Panel of Experts unveiled a Ksh2 billion compensation programme targeting victims of human rights violations committed between 2013 and 2025.

The panel said families of those killed would receive a minimum of Ksh3 million, while severely injured victims would qualify for at least Ksh1 million under the reparations framework.

June 25 protests pile pressure on State

The debate comes amid rising political tension ahead of the planned June 25 anniversary protests, with James Orengo calling for a nationwide shutdown to honour victims of previous anti-government demonstrations.

The commemorations are expected to renew public scrutiny over police conduct, accountability and growing demands for justice as pressure mounts on the government to prevent further casualties during upcoming protests.