Two Senators have intensified pressure on the government to explain how it intends to implement the Sh2 billion compensation and reparation programme for victims of demonstration-related violence.

The push by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and his Nairobi counterpart Senator Edwin Sifuna comes amid concerns over transparency, justice and continued reports of human rights violations.

On Tuesday, Senator Osotsi sought a statement from the Senate Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, demanding details on the identification of beneficiaries, compensation timelines and measures to ensure accountability for abuses committed during public demonstrations.

While acknowledging that the allocation of Sh2 billion had offered hope to affected families, Senator Osotsi said many victims and their relatives continued to suffer from loss, trauma and uncertainty.

“Concerns have been raised about transparency, accountability and whether the programme will adequately address the plight of all victims, underscoring the need for clarity and justice in its implementation,” he told the Senate.

The senator asked the committee to disclose the criteria used to identify beneficiaries, the number of claims received, verification procedures and timelines for compensation.

He also sought updates on the support being offered to families of those killed, injured or subjected to torture and other human rights violations.

Senator Osotsi further demanded information on efforts to trace missing persons linked to demonstrations, progress of investigations into enforced disappearances and assistance being extended to affected families.

He also called for details on investigations, prosecutions and disciplinary action against individuals implicated in unlawful killings, torture and enforced disappearances, as well as reforms aimed at preventing future violations during protests and political rallies.

At the same time, Senator Sifuna argued that the debate should go beyond compensation and focus on preventing the violations that give rise to such payments.

“We shouldn’t even be having that conversation because we are a country that is governed by the rule of law. There shouldn’t be people to compensate in the first place,” Senator Sifuna said.

The senator said many families would prefer justice and the return of their loved ones rather than financial compensation.

He warned that the government continued to create new victims even as it sought to compensate those affected by previous demonstrations.

“This administration continues to manufacture fresh victims,” he said, citing security operations during the June 25 anniversary protests and the Saba Saba demonstrations in Nairobi.

“For me, we want that compensation to be paid but it’s not something to take pride in. In fact, we should be pushing for justice and an end to the sort of behaviours that cause these people to die in the first place,” he added.