Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticized the government's plan to compensate victims of police brutality without prosecuting officers responsible for the alleged abuses, arguing that justice cannot be achieved through financial compensation alone.
Speaking during a television interview, Maraga described the compensation programme as a "half measure," insisting that criminal accountability must accompany any reparations offered to victims and their families. He questioned the absence of arrests and prosecutions despite numerous reports of deaths and injuries linked to police actions during recent protests.
According to Maraga, allowing the Executive to oversee compensation without court involvement raises concerns about transparency and fairness. He maintained that courts should determine responsibility and award compensation after due process, ensuring justice is served impartially.
The former Chief Justice further warned that failure to prosecute rogue officers could encourage future violations by creating a culture of impunity within law enforcement agencies. He emphasized that prosecution and sentencing serve as deterrents, protecting citizens from similar abuses in the future.
His remarks come as the government prepares to begin compensating victims of human rights violations following the allocation of KSh2 billion in the 2025/26 supplementary budget. Civil society groups and victims' families continue to demand both compensation and accountability.
Speaking during a television interview, Maraga described the compensation programme as a "half measure," insisting that criminal accountability must accompany any reparations offered to victims and their families. He questioned the absence of arrests and prosecutions despite numerous reports of deaths and injuries linked to police actions during recent protests.
According to Maraga, allowing the Executive to oversee compensation without court involvement raises concerns about transparency and fairness. He maintained that courts should determine responsibility and award compensation after due process, ensuring justice is served impartially.
The former Chief Justice further warned that failure to prosecute rogue officers could encourage future violations by creating a culture of impunity within law enforcement agencies. He emphasized that prosecution and sentencing serve as deterrents, protecting citizens from similar abuses in the future.
His remarks come as the government prepares to begin compensating victims of human rights violations following the allocation of KSh2 billion in the 2025/26 supplementary budget. Civil society groups and victims' families continue to demand both compensation and accountability.
