ODM backs KNCHR reparations framework, pledges support for victims

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has welcomed the communiqué issued by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on the development of a national compensation and reparations framework for victims of human rights violations.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdullswamad Nassir described the initiative as both necessary and long overdue, noting that many families, especially in the Coast region, continue to bear the impact of past injustices.

In a statement on Tuesday, Nassir welcomed KNCHR’s approach, which extends beyond financial compensation to include rehabilitation, truth-telling and guarantees of non-repetition, terming it a progressive step toward restorative justice.

“For many families across the Coast region, and particularly in Mombasa County, the pain of past violations remains fresh. Lives were disrupted, livelihoods were lost, and in some cases, families continue to carry the burden of unresolved injustice,” he said.

He said ODM leadership in the Coast region would work closely with the party’s youth structures to ensure victims can effectively access the process.

“To this end, we will work closely with the ODM Youth League in Mombasa and across the wider Coast region to establish structured support mechanisms that will assist victims and their families in lodging their claims with KNCHR,” he stated.

The support will include community outreach, awareness forums and facilitation to help victims navigate documentation and reporting requirements.

Nassir also emphasised the need to prioritise victims of protest-related violations, many of whom are young people, to ensure they are adequately supported and represented.

“No Kenyan should be denied justice because they lack information, resources, or access. A credible reparations framework must be backed by adequate resources if it is to inspire public confidence and deliver meaningful outcomes,” he noted.

The ODM deputy party leader urged the National Treasury and Parliament to fast-track allocation and disbursement of funds to support the reparations framework.

He reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the rule of law, human dignity and accountability, pledging continued support for victims and efforts aimed at preventing future violations.

KNCHR urged individuals affected by past rights violations, including victims of protests and demonstrations, to come forward with evidence supporting their claims.

The commission said it had officially assumed the lead role in compensating victims of protest-related violence, inviting victims to submit their claims by April 3.

"The commission has initiated internal technical work," KNCHR said in the statement.

It cited mapping areas most affected by protest-related and other human rights violations, and engaging key stakeholders so that a credible framework can be put in place to guide a transparent, accountable and comprehensive reparations process.

"The commission acknowledges the pain, loss and anxiety experienced by victims, survivors and their families as well as the public concern that reparations have taken too long," it added.

The verification process requires victims to submit supporting documents, including P3 forms, medical reports, occurrence book reports and post-mortem reports by the deadline date, through the commission’s official communication channels or by visiting its offices across the country.

The commission has offices in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kitale, Nyahururu and Wajir.