A fresh political storm is brewing over the proposed compensation package for victims of protest-related killings, injuries, and enforced disappearances, with opposition leaders dismissing the suggested payouts as far too low and calling for a more meaningful settlement.

The compensation plan, developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, recommends KSh3 million for families who lost loved ones during protests and KSh2 million for cases involving enforced disappearances.

However, affected families and rights advocates say the figures do not match the pain, loss, and long-term impact suffered by victims.

They are now pushing for a revised package that includes higher payouts for families of those killed or disappeared, compensation for survivors of sexual violence, support for victims who later resurfaced after disappearing, and financial relief for those left with life-changing injuries.

Compensation has also been proposed for people unlawfully arrested or detained during demonstrations.

Speaking during a political rally in Kwale, Kalonzo Musyoka strongly criticized the KSh3 million proposal, arguing that it reduces the value of human life.

“To say three million shillings is like belittling the lives of Kenyan children. That’s why I say, here in Kwale, the minimum should be ten million,” Kalonzo said.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua used the moment to widen the debate, faulting the government’s handling of essential public services.

He particularly raised concerns over healthcare access for teachers, saying many public servants continue to struggle under the current system.

At the same time, DAP Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa blamed rising fuel prices and economic hardship on poor policy decisions, while his PLP counterpart Martha Karua pointed to corruption and weak governance as the root of Kenya’s challenges.

“The problem we face here in Kenya is corruption and disregard for the law. Our money is being misused by the wealthy,” Karua said.

The growing criticism signals that compensation for protest victims is quickly becoming a major political and human rights issue, with pressure mounting on the government to reconsider the proposed framework.