ODM party leader Oburu Oginga addressing the media in Kisumu/FAITH MATETE
ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has defended the government's ongoing compensation of victims of political violence, describing the payouts as an important acknowledgement of the suffering endured by affected families.
Speaking in Kisumu on Thursday evening, Oburu said that while no amount of money can replace lives lost during political unrest, the compensation process should be welcomed rather than criticised.
"The process of compensating victims is a very novel recognition of the suffering of people," he said.
Oburu said many of those receiving compensation come from regions that have historically borne the brunt of political violence and economic marginalisation, particularly Nyanza, Northern Kenya and the Coast.
He argued that generations of perceived injustices had driven many residents from these regions to take part in demonstrations whenever opportunities arose to express their frustrations.
Oburu criticised leaders who have urged victims to reject the compensation package, saying such positions fail to appreciate the realities facing affected families.
"One million shillings may look like peanuts to some people, but to someone who has never held such an amount in their lifetime, it is significant," he said.
The ODM leader said families should be allowed to receive the payments while efforts to pursue justice against those responsible continue simultaneously.
He maintained that compensation and accountability are not mutually exclusive, noting that some people linked to past acts of political violence have already been arraigned in court, while investigations into other cases are ongoing.
"The next step in justice is to ensure perpetrators are punished. But that should not stop victims from receiving what is due to them," he said.
Oburu acknowledged that the payments are only a token of sympathy rather than full compensation.
"When life is lost, whatever you give is just a token. No amount of money can replace a child or a loved one," he said while responding to questions from journalists.
He further said the compensation process demonstrates that the government is listening to concerns raised by victims and political leaders.
"We are not saying the government has done enough. What we are saying is that they have listened, and we shall continue pushing for more compensation and support for affected families," he said.
The ODM leader called for the programme to continue and be expanded so that more victims of political violence can receive assistance as the country pursues healing and reconciliation.
