Orengo Demands Justice for Gen Z Protest Victims, Dismisses Compensation as Inadequate

By Virginia Siebella 

James Orengo has criticized the government’s proposed compensation for families of victims killed during the 2024 Finance Bill protests, insisting that justice — not money alone — should be the priority.

Speaking after laying a wreath at the grave of Rex Masai, Orengo said families affected by the protests continue to suffer while those allegedly responsible for the killings remain untouched.

The Siaya Governor argued that if the government was genuinely committed to justice, police officers linked to the deaths would already have been prosecuted. He described the proposed Kshs 2 billion compensation package as insufficient, saying no amount of money could erase the pain endured by bereaved families.

Orengo maintained that compensation should not be treated as a blanket solution but must reflect the emotional and psychological scars left behind by the deaths of young Kenyans during the demonstrations.

The veteran opposition leader further stated that he, alongside Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders, would continue pushing for justice for Gen Z victims. He revealed that a memorial event is being planned next month to honor those who lost their lives during the June 2024 protests.

On the political front, Orengo declared that he only recognizes ODM aligned to the “Linda Mwananchi” movement, dismissing the rival “Linda Ground” faction as a “fake ODM” allegedly working in support of President William Ruto.

He said his visit to Rex Masai’s family marked the beginning of a broader mission to console families across the country who lost relatives during the anti-Finance Bill protests. Orengo accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of burdening Kenyans economically instead of prioritizing justice and support for grieving families.

Rex Masai’s father, Chris Odawa, rejected the idea of compensation without accountability, arguing that the government should not normalize the killing of young people during protests.

He urged state authorities to focus on fulfilling promises made to citizens instead of using force against demonstrators.

Meanwhile, Caroline Mutisya, whose son Erickson Mutisya was also killed during the 2024 protests, expressed doubts that affected families would ever receive justice.

Orengo’s visit comes barely a week before the Linda Mwananchi faction is expected to begin its political tour of Machakos County.