Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has urged the government to offer substantial compensation to families of Kenyans killed during recent protests, warning that anything less would diminish the value of the lives lost.
Appearing on Citizen TV’s Tonight show on Thursday, Owino emphasized that compensation should reflect the victims’ potential lifetime earnings—many of whom were young, in their 20s.
> “The only mistake these Gen Zs made was to protest the high cost of living, overtaxation, unemployment, and cuts to university funding,” he said. “In response, the government ended their lives and inflicted immense pain on their families. Life is priceless, but if compensation is to be given, it must be meaningful.”
Owino explained that a 25-year-old victim could have had up to 65 more productive years ahead. Using a conservative monthly income estimate of Ksh.30,000, he calculated potential lifetime earnings at a minimum of Ksh.23.4 million per person.
> “If someone earned Ksh.30,000 a month, that’s Ksh.360,000 a year. Over 65 years, it totals Ksh.23.4 million. That should be the minimum compensation. In reality, it could go as high as Ksh.100 million,” he added.
His remarks come as a newly formed committee was officially sworn in to oversee compensation for victims of demonstrations dating back to 2017.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Makau Mutua, President William Ruto’s senior advisor on constitutional affairs and human rights. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo will serve as vice chair. Other members include Kennedy N. Ogeto, Irungu Houghton, John Olukuru, Rev. Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Fatuma Kinsi Abass, and Raphael Anampiu.
Richard Barno has been appointed Technical Lead, with Duncan A. Okelo Ndeda as Co-Technical Lead. Jerusah Mwaathime Michael and Raphael Ng’etich will serve as Joint Secretaries.
Owino stressed that without adequate financial redress, the government risks trivializing the loss of life and undermining justice for the victims and their families.
