Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has taken a swipe at human rights defenders Hanifa Adan and Shakira Wafula for attending the Harambee Stars’ high-profile match against Morocco on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, August 11, 2025, Alai accused the two activists of hypocrisy, suggesting they had previously opposed government-led events but were now ‘eager to be part of the celebrations.’

“The anarchists hated, while Kenyans moved on and filled the stadium. Now they have to join in the celebrations because their anarchy ran out of fashion,” Alai wrote.

Alai’s remarks appeared to reference recent political tensions and public protests in which activists like Hanifa and Shakira have been prominent voices. Both have been vocal in condemning police brutality and government excesses during nationwide demonstrations since June 2024 during the Gen Z protests that left scores dead and dozens injured.

His sentiments come at a time when Kenyans have been thronging football stadiums to support the national football team, Harambee Stars, at the ongoing TotalEnergies 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Victims compensation plan

Meanwhile,  President William Ruto has established a framework for compensating victims of protests, seeking to reach out to families and individuals affected by the nationwide protests that have been rocking the country since June 2024. On Friday, August 8, 2025, the Head of State appointed Professor Makau Mutua to head the newly formed framework. Upon his appointment, Mutua noted that the initiative marks a transformative moment in the country’s approach to transitional justice.

“I take this opportunity to unreservedly thank H.E President William Ruto for establishing a framework for the compensation of victims of protests and riots, and for appointing me to head it. This bold, unprecedented, and historic action by President Ruto is transformational for Kenya’s human rights culture,” Prof Mutua said.

Meanwhile, the formation of the compensation framework comes in the wake of nationwide debates on police conduct during public demonstrations, as well as calls for state accountability in cases where citizens have suffered injury, loss of life, or property damage during protests.