HOMA BAY, Kenya — Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has acknowledged and welcomed President William Ruto’s recent apology to Kenyans, including the youth of Generation Z, concerning the violence that transpired during anti-government protests in 2023 and 2024.
Mr Odinga has urged the government to extend its efforts further by considering compensation for the families of those who suffered fatal or non-fatal injuries during these demonstrations.
“We have had several challenges. We have had a lot of issues. Two years ago, we were on the streets. And even last year Gen Z’s were on the streets,” Mr Odinga stated while addressing the nation during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay County on Sunday.
“Your Excellency, during the prayer breakfast this week, there were apologies that were made: the speaker and yourself, which is wonderful as the first step to reconciliation. But then there is the issue of people who were injured and others who died during that time,” he emphasized.
Odinga’s appeal follows President William Ruto’s public apology to Kenyan youth, specifically Gen Z, delivered during the National Prayer Breakfast held at the Safari Park Hotel.
“To our children, if there has been any misstep, we apologize,” President Ruto remarked during the event.
The ODM leader stressed that such a move is crucial for justice, healing, and national closure. He said justice for victims must begin with acknowledgment and reparation.
“We should compensate the families of those who died and those who were injured so that we can have a closure of this chapter of our nation’s history,” he said.
The anti-government protests, which arose from concerns over the rising cost of living and governance issues, resulted in a wave of nationwide demonstrations, some of which turned violent.
