Victims of the 2024 anti-government protests have rejected President William Ruto’s apology over the violence that occurred during the demonstrations, saying meaningful justice requires more than financial compensation.

Speaking after the government announced a Ksh 2 billion compensation programme for victims of protest-related human rights violations, survivors and affected families said they expect a direct apology from the President, greater accountability for those responsible, and a transparent compensation process.

The group argues that while financial support is important, it should not replace justice or acknowledgement of the suffering experienced by those who were killed, injured, detained, or subjected to enforced disappearances during the protests.

Among their key demands is a personal apology from President Ruto. The victims say the apology issued by the Head of State does not adequately address the experiences of those directly affected and should be delivered to survivors and the families of those who lost their lives.

They have also called for the publication of the list of compensation beneficiaries and the criteria that will be used to determine payouts, saying the process should be open and accountable to maintain public confidence.

In addition, the victims want investigations into the violence to continue and those found responsible for unlawful killings, injuries, torture, abductions, or enforced disappearances to be held accountable through the justice system.

The group is also urging the government to designate June 24 as a national day of remembrance to honour those who died or were affected during the nationwide protests. They say the date should serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of protecting constitutional rights and preventing similar incidents in the future.

President Ruto announced the compensation programme as part of broader efforts to address grievances arising from the protests. While acknowledging that many Kenyans suffered during the demonstrations, he said the compensation initiative should not be interpreted as an admission of legal liability by the government. “A nation heals by tending to its wounds rather than pretending they does not exist,” he said.

Claris Ogangah, head of Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights, said the payments would contribute to the nation’s healing.

The victims maintain that compensation is only one part of a broader process of justice and reconciliation. They insist that acknowledgement, accountability, and institutional reforms are equally important if public trust is to be restored.

The government has not yet responded to the latest demands, and it remains unclear whether June 24 will be considered for official national recognition or whether additional measures will be introduced as the compensation process moves forward.