Victims and survivors of historical state brutality in Northern Kenya have called for inclusion in the government’s newly announced KSh2 billion compensation programme over decades-old atrocities that remain unresolved despite years of appeals for justice.
Mr. Ahmed Hussein told RTG, “the compensation framework should be expanded to cover victims of historical injustices in Northern Kenya, including those affected by the infamous Bula Karatasi operation in Garissa and other security crackdowns that left hundreds dead, injured, or displaced.”
The Bula Karatasi incident remains one of the most painful memories for many residents of Garissa, with survivors and families of victims maintaining that they have never received adequate compensation or official recognition for the suffering they endured.
Rights groups have also cited the Wagalla Massacre of 1984 in Wajir County, where hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed during a military operation, as one of the atrocities that should be considered under any comprehensive national reparations programme.
Other historical grievances include alleged extrajudicial killings, collective punishment, arbitrary detention, torture, forced displacement, and economic marginalisation experienced by communities across Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit and other parts of Northern Kenya during various security operations over the years.
Kenyans who suffered human rights violations, including killings, torture, abductions, enforced disappearances, and destruction of property during protests and security will also be compensated.
Mr. Ahmed said meaningful national healing cannot be achieved if victims of past state excesses are excluded from compensation efforts.
“We welcome the government’s decision to compensate victims of human rights abuses, but justice must not be selective. Families that suffered in Northern Kenya have waited for decades to be heard and recognised,” he said.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which prepared the compensation framework, recorded 1,937 claims relating to human rights violations were received and reviewed, with 1,101 cases verified.
President Ruto, while receiving the report at State House, said the country must acknowledge all forms of suffering and injustice if it is to move forward as a united nation.
“A nation does not heal by choosing whose pain matters. It heals by acknowledging all suffering, pursuing justice for all and committing itself to doing better,” the President said.
Families in Garissa and across Northern Kenya hope the compensation programme will include victims of historical atrocities. They want incidents such as the Bula Karatasi operation to be recognised. Many see this as a step towards justice and national reconciliation.
