The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has slammed the government over its proposal to compensate victims of police brutality in the country.

In a statement shared on its X page on Friday, August 8, 2025, Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of the opposition-allied party, registered his reservation for the plan he termed an insult to the many families that have been reeling from the atrocities committed against their loved ones.

“No amount of money can bring back the lives lost, heal the trauma of mothers who buried their children, or erase the memories of innocent blood spilled on our streets.

Go after the perpetrators

The party has instead challenged the state to move swiftly and prosecute individuals who perpetrated the untold cruelties on innocent Kenyans.

“We do not just seek payouts; we demand accountability. Those in the police service who pulled the trigger, those who ordered the brutality, and those who stood by us as Kenyans were maimed and killed must face the full weight of the law.

A regime that hides behind cheques while shielding the perpetrators is telling us that our lives are not worth a price tag, not justice. This is not compassion—it is an insult,” the party stated.

The party’s tough stance after President William Ruto announced the establishment of a special framework to compensate victims of demonstrations and public protests since 2017 on Friday, August 8, 2025.

While lauding the development, Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi stated that the decision cements Kenya’s commitment to upholding human rights even at the international stage.

Mudavadi’s stance

“Your decision to form a task force to compensate those who were injured or killed during protests is welcome. Kenya is a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council; we have a seat there,” Mudavadi remarked.

End to protest deaths

Mudavadi equally stated that the move was right, noting that nobody loves to witness bloodshed in the country.

“The decision you have made is vital for the country because nobody would like to see continued bloodshed in our nation. It is a very courageous decision and also the right decision,” Mudavadi stated.

Lawyer Paul Muite also termed the move as urgent while throwing his weight behind the framework of redressing the atrocities committed against innocent Kenyans.

“I support this proclamation by the president setting up a committee to look into the modalities of compensating victims of police brutality,” the lawyer opined.

“Despite legal challenges facing the proclamation, I believe it is a pragmatic way of addressing this urgent compensation issue,” he noted.