Victims of election-related violence in Kenya have urged the government to complete compensation programmes and provide lasting solutions to thousands of people who continue to suffer the effects of displacement nearly two decades after the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
National IDPs Network Kenya Secretary General Raphael Eyanai said thousands of victims across the country were still waiting for government assistance despite recommendations contained in various reports addressing the plight of internally displaced persons.
“We are saying that now is the time for the victims who were left behind,” Eyanai said, urging the government to ensure all eligible victims receive a permanent solution.
Speaking during a gathering of internally displaced persons’ representatives in Trans Nzoia, Eyanai welcomed government efforts to compensate victims, saying progress made so far was significant.
He, however, said some victims had been excluded from previous compensation programmes despite being identified in reports as deserving assistance.
Eyanai called for government interventions to go beyond recent compensation programmes and address the needs of people affected by the 2007–2008 post-election violence, forest evictions, insecurity and other forms of displacement.
“The work has continued well and we, as leaders of the victims, recognize what the Government has done,” he said.
IDPs Call for Measures to Prevent Election Violence
The victims’ representatives also called on the Ministry of Interior and security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at preventing violence as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
Eyanai warned that emerging political tensions should be treated as a serious warning, saying the experiences of victims of past election violence should remind Kenyans of the consequences of political instability.
“We do not want Kenya to reach that point again,” he said, urging political leaders and citizens to prioritize peace, national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
He commended the government for engaging with victims, saying officials had listened to their concerns and treated them as Kenyan citizens rather than simply as victims.
National IDPs Network Kenya patron Moses Jode said many displaced families continued to face challenges, including inadequate housing and limited access to basic necessities.
“We have struggled for almost 20 years, but now we can see that the Government is doing well,” Jode said, calling for the remaining victims to be considered in government assistance programmes.
The representatives also appealed for support for people affected by other displacement crises, including forest evictions and insecurity in parts of northern Kenya.
Victims Warn Against Politicising Youth
Violence victim and peace advocate Stella Nyamosi urged political leaders to avoid involving young people in activities that could trigger violence during political campaigns.
“I appeal to leaders to exercise responsibility and ensure that political competition does not result in suffering for ordinary Kenyans,” Nyamosi said.
Hezron Katasi said the victims’ main appeal was for the government to conclude the process of assisting those who remain affected so they can rebuild their lives.
“After the Government has addressed the recent victims, now is the time for those who were left behind,” Katasi said.
Katasi said the victims’ networks would continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace, national unity and peaceful coexistence.
They further called on the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to strengthen efforts to prevent election-related violence and protect communities as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
