WAMAE QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT’S MOVE TO COMPENSATE GEN Z PROTESTERS

Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has voiced strong criticism of the government’s proposal to compensate victims of police brutality, particularly young protesters from the Gen Z movement. In a statement posted on her X account on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Wamae cited Psalm 49:7-9 to question the plan, arguing that Scripture makes it clear no amount of money can redeem a life or pay a ransom to God for it. She warned that turning such profound loss into a financial transaction risks trivializing the suffering endured by victims and their families. Wamae stressed that the government should prioritize accountability, justice, and systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies, rather than attempting to “attach a price tag” to lives lost.

“Bible-driven government. In the Bible, particularly in Psalm 49:7-9, the concept of paying to redeem a life is explicitly rejected. It states that no amount of money can buy back a person’s life or pay a ransom to God for it, highlighting the infinite value of life and the limitations of human ability to overcome death. Why compensate Gen Z?” she wrote. Her remarks came a day after President William Ruto announced a special government initiative to compensate individuals affected by police brutality during past protests. According to his presidential proclamation, the program will operate for 120 days and address the grievances of those injured or bereaved during demonstrations.

“The Executive Office of the President shall discharge this mandate in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the National Treasury, and other relevant State agencies. The tenure of this special coordination framework shall be 120 days from the date hereof, August 8, 2025,” the statement read. President Ruto appointed Makau Mutua as Principal Coordinator of the program.