IDPs still await Sh6.5bn compensation 8 years later
Its been eight years after the High Court allocated Sh6.5 billion for their settlement.
Over 75,000 victims of the 2007/2008 post-election violence are still waiting for the compensation they were promised, eight years after the High Court allocated Sh6.5 billion for their settlement.
The victims, Integrated Internally Displaced Persons (IIDPs), had taken legal action against the Interior Ministry and the Attorney General in pursuit of justice.
Although the government agreed to settle the matter out of court, the process has stalled, with the Attorney General refusing to sign the consent agreement.
The court was informed that the consent file was returned in 2022 by the Solicitor General, but came without any direction on how to proceed.
State Counsel Sonia Wanjeri told the court there was no intention to proceed with the agreement.
This prompted Justice Hedwig Ong’udi to summon Interior PS Raymond Omollo to appear in person on May 26.
"The victims were misled into believing the matter would be resolved," Justice Ong’udi said, expressing disappointment over the government’s inaction.
The victims’ lawyer, David Mongeri, said it was unfortunate that an officer of the court had wasted their time.
"The AG has wasted our time with false promises since 2017," Mongeri said.
He confirmed that all parties had signed the consent, except the AG, whose silence has blocked the payout.
Lawyer Ndubi Bosibori urged the court to direct the AG to issue an official statement rejecting or accepting the settlement.
He said witnesses were ready to testify, and delaying the case further would drag it out for years.
"We need communication from the AG. This money was specifically set aside for this matter," he said.
In 2017, the court froze the Sh6.5 billion after two rival groups claimed to be the rightful beneficiaries.
After a three-year verification process, Joakim Mwangi, John Mwaniki, and Teresia Muiruri were confirmed as the group’s official representatives.
The victims had presented a formal settlement proposal, but in April 2023, the court was informed there had been no progress.
In February 2024, it was revealed that the money had already been used and that any future payment would depend on the 2024/2025 budget.
The victims have since appealed to the government to honour its word and ensure fair compensation to everyone affected by the clashes.
The case will be mentioned again on May 26.
