Third Way Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot has criticised President William Ruto’s proposed plan to compensate the victims of state-sponsored brutality and injustices in the country

In a statement shared on Friday, August 8, 2025, via his X page, Aukot noted that the plan is not only deficient but also not laden with sufficient deterrence for the very issues it seeks to redress.

Not preventive

“With all due respect Mr. President, This is rubbish and nonsense upon stilts! It does not inherently stop abductions, murders by state agents, or police brutality. The framework focuses on compensating victims rather than preventing future incidents, which could be interpreted as addressing symptoms rather than root causes,” he said.

Aukot argues that without a proper mechanism for ensuring accountability and prosecution of the perpetrators of such atrocities, the pattern will continue unabated.

“This approach inadvertently gives the state a perceived “blank cheque'” to continue such atrocities, as compensation could be seen as a retrospective fix rather than a deterrent. Without mechanisms like independent oversight, prosecution of perpetrators, or systemic reforms to police conduct, the proclamation essentially normalises these actions under the guise of financial redress.

He additionally registered his astonishment with the appointment of Makau Mutua among the personnel chosen to spearhead the task.

“What a shame that someone like prof. @makaumutua who has styled himself as a human rights defender, is part of this fraud,” he added.

His sentiments mirror those made by the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), which called for the compensation mechanism to prioritise accountability through the prosecution of individuals who perpetrated the untold cruelties on innocent Kenyans.

DAP K on compensation plans

“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 as Kenyans were maimed and killed must face the full weight of the law,” the party said.

Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of the opposition-allied party, further 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,” he added.