Wajir West Member of Parliament Farah Yussuf Mohamed has written to President William Ruto protesting against what he terms a “discriminatory and selective” government plan to compensate victims of police brutality only up to the year 2017, while excluding survivors of earlier atrocities such as the Wagalla Massacre of 1984.

In a strongly worded letter copied to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the legislator expressed outrage at the government’s framework, arguing that it perpetuates a cycle of neglect for communities in Northern Kenya that have endured historical injustices.

“By limiting compensation to only those affected up to 2017, the Government is deliberately excluding victims of earlier and more egregious violations, most notably the Wagalla Massacre of February 1984,” he stated.

The Wagalla massacre, one of the darkest chapters in Kenya’s history, saw thousands of Somali Degodia civilians in Wajir detained, tortured, and executed by the military under the pretext of quelling rebellion.

While the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) later confirmed the atrocities and recommended reparations, victims have never received compensation despite repeated government promises.

“The selective approach to justice offends the principles of equality, fairness, non-discrimination, and inclusivity as enshrined in the Constitution,” the MP said, citing Articles 10, 27 and 28 of the Constitution.

Mohamed is now demanding that the state immediately expand the reparations framework to cover all victims of state brutality, regardless of when violations occurred. 

He also called for the specific inclusion of Wagalla victims in the upcoming program and a public statement from the Office of the President committing to a transparent and inclusive process.

“Should the Government proceed with a framework that excludes victims of the Wagalla Massacre and other historical atrocities, the said victims shall have no other recourse but to move to court to challenge the same,” he warned.

The MP emphasised that his protest is not against compensation for other victims, but a call for “equal justice for all.”

Last month the High Court in Kerugoya issued conservatory orders temporarily halting the implementation of President William Ruto’s directive establishing a framework for the compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests.

Justice Kizito Magare issued the order pending the hearing of a petition challenging the framework.

The matter will be mentioned on October 6 before the High Court in Kerugoya.