Kisumu,26 June 2026 -Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga has faulted politicians opposing the government’s Sh2 billion compensation program for verified victims of rights violations and police brutality recorded between 2017 and 2025.
Speaking to journalists in Kisumu on Friday, the Siaya Senator said ODM, alongside the Uwiano Human Rights Violations and Compensation Panel, actively pushed for the payout plan under the leadership of former party leader Raila Odinga.
Material Justice
“Disbursements have already commenced. We are ensuring that families who endured past injustices receive material justice and formal recognition from the State,” Oburu stated who also serves as Chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee.
He appealed to affected families to accept the funds allocated to them, while acknowledging that no amount of money can replace a lost loved one.
“It cannot be equated with the loss of a loved one,” he said.
Oburu noted that the compensation plan is one of the 10-point commitments that underpinned the broad-based government arrangement between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.
His remarks follow criticism from a coalition of victims who are demanding that persons affected by enforced disappearances and torture be included. They argue that those categories were largely left out of the initial phase.
Verified Victims
The Prof Makau Mutua-led Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations assesses claims based on defined categories of harm and pays verified beneficiaries directly.
Compensation is tiered according to the severity of harm: Sh3 million per family for fatalities; Sh1 million for victims of severe injuries or sexual violence; Sh500,000 for moderate injuries; Sh50,000 for minor injuries; and Sh50,000 per claim for economic losses.
In Phase One, the panel disbursed Sh448.7 million to 348 verified victims. The breakdown includes 115 fatality cases, 24 severe injury cases, 137 moderate injury cases, 60 minor injury cases, 8 cases of aggravated sexual violence, and 4 economic loss cases.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is overseeing a rigorous verification process that includes registration, authentication, and categorization of harm.
According to Prof. Mutua, compensation is paid only to victims who provide explicit consent, with funds deposited directly into their bank accounts. He emphasized that the program is ongoing and urged eligible victims who have not filed claims to do so at the panel’s offices at the Kenya International Conference Centre.
Peace and Dialogue
Oburu also commended Kenyans for maintaining calm, peace, and dialogue during the 25th June Gen Z Commemoration, and for avoiding the confrontations and economic disruptions that have marked similar events in the past.
“The events of the past few days have sent an unmistakable signal about the political direction and maturity of our nation. When calls for nationwide protests were made, many anticipated avoidable loss of innocent lives. Instead, Kenya witnessed a quiet and profound calm,” he said.
“I want to state categorically that this calm was not accidental. It was a deliberate choice. It resulted directly from our people heeding repeated calls for restraint, peace, and national stability.”
True leadership, he advised, is not measured by the ability to ignite fires, but by the: “wisdom to sustain order, protect citizens, and guide the nation toward constructive engagement.”
Addressing ODM members and supporters nationwide, Oburu expressed gratitude for their discipline during the memorial period.
“By choosing not to take part in uncoordinated street actions, you demonstrated the highest level of political sophistication,” he said.
“Let it be clear to both allies and critics: The ODM remains strong, united, and structurally sound. We continue to steer this party with the same vision, courage, and strategic precision that built its foundation.”
He added that: ” Our political capital is intact, our organization is disciplined, and our leadership is resolute. We have shielded our communities from unnecessary harm while firmly securing our place at the decision-making table.”
Notice of Intent
Oburu said the approach to policing public assemblies must change.
“To the National Police Service: we are redefining your engagement with the public. Citizens are not your enemies; they are your employers. Your primary role during public assemblies must shift from obstruction to protection,” he stated.
Under broad-based oversight, ODM is advocating a complete overhaul of protest regulations.
“Protesters should only be required to give notice of intent, not to seek a police permit. Security officers must be trained to safeguard peaceful citizens. We expect absolute professionalism, restraint, and strict adherence to the Constitution from every level of the police service,” he remarked.
Oburu said ODM’s decision to pursue a cooperative, broad-based partnership with government was driven by the need for tangible, systemic change, not political convenience.
“By choosing dialogue over street chaos, we have secured landmark achievements that protect Kenya’s future,” he stated.
He cited the National Infrastructure Fund Bill, 2026, which seeks to mobilize Sh5 trillion over the next decade from domestic pension funds, local private capital, and other non-traditional assets. He said the fund will reduce reliance on costly foreign borrowing and help safeguard Kenya’s fiscal sovereignty.
Businesses Protection
“By replacing uncoordinated protests with policy wins, we have also protected open-air markets, small-scale traders, and transport networks in our strongholds from the financial losses that typically erase local livelihoods,” he added.
“We have entered a new era of statesmanship. The interests of our people,in human rights, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, are advanced more effectively through principled governance than through political grandstanding,” Oburu said.
He announced that ODM will soon begin nationwide leadership and grassroots consultations to consolidate the movement, strengthen structures, and prepare the party for the future.
“We remain the bedrock of progressive politics in Kenya, and our focus is entirely on moving this nation forward together.”
