Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga/ FILEFormer Prime Minister Raila Odinga affirmed his commitment to championing the rights of electoral violence survivors.
Speaking during the commemoration of International Day for the Right to Truth, Justice, and Reparations, Raila, whose speech was read by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, said he remains steadfast in defending the rights of the victims who survived harrowing ordeals as a result of post-election related acts of violence.
Raila called for justice and compensation of victims as recommended in the 2013 report by the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) which contains comprehensive recommendations on the reparations.
“I understand that a handful of victims have been in court since 2011 seeking justice and reparations. I have been consistent and will continue to stand firm for the rights of victims for truth, justice and reparations,” Raila stated.
“This is why I and my party ODM have stood for this course in the BBI (Building Bridges Initiative) and again in the NADCO (National Dialogue Committee) processes where we have maintained that there must be a framework to deal with historical injustice that threaten the rule of law to counter impunity for all human rights violations.”
He additionally called for more action to be taken to preserve human rights and dignity in the nation as well as advocating for the recognition and justice for those who have suffered when their rights were violated.
“As a victim of human rights abuses myself, I believe strongly that the right to life, human dignity, freedom of expression& association, freedom of assembly, demonstrations and picketing and access to justice among others are worth fighting for,” he stated.
He acknowledged that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with President William Ruto recognized the upholding of human rights as well as compensating pending claims to those whose rights were violated.
A group of political leaders and election violence survivors during the commemoration event at Westlands, Nairobi on March 24, 2025/JAMES GICHIGIRaila highlighted the dark days of the 2007 post-election violence which he said was rooted in impunity and historical injustices.
The Former PM further traced the historical injustices and human rights violations citing the era of colonial times where massive abuses were witnessed including forced labour, torture, detentions, violence and humiliations of Kenyans.
“Unfortunately, independent Kenya has not done any better. Enforced disappearances, assassinations, abductions, and media censorship have followed the nation in our 62 years of Independence,” Raila stated.
“The beautiful thing with Kenya is that at every time and every point of darkness, a tiny creep of brave men and women has always existed and stood up and put the human rights agenda on the table.”
