Government Ordered to Pay 7 Kenyans Sh28 Million

A High court has ordered the Government to pay seven Kenyans Sh28 Million as compensation for the torture they endured at Nyayo House during former President Daniel Moi's era.

Among the beneficiaries is an uncle of veteran politician Koigi wa Wamwere.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Mr Wamwere explained that the compensation was long overdue and commended the move to make amends for the torture of innocent people.

"One of them is my uncle Mr. Chege Kuria and a neighbor Mr Stanley Ngige who were subjected to torture because they were associated with me.

"They deserved the money and it is good that the state is making good on their promise rather than just apologizing," he stated.

[caption caption="Politician Koigi wa Wamwere"][/caption]

The ruling comes two months after the government was ordered to pay Sh945 Million to former Cabinet Minister and presidential candidate Kenneth Matiba.

In September, Matiba, who unsuccessfully vied for the Presidency against Moi, was awarded the money as compensation for detention and torture in 1990.

Initially, reports indicated that he had been awarded Sh504 Million as settlement for a case against the Government of Kenya.

However, it emerged that there was an error in the calculation and the former popular Minister should be given Sh945 Milion.

In the case, Matiba was able to prove that he suffered a debilitating stroke that confined him to a wheelchair as a result of the detention.

Matiba had initially sought Sh12 Billion as compensation claiming that he incurred a Sh9.1 Million cost in managing his condition.

The former detainee went to court in 2015 arguing that he suffered a serious stroke on May 26, 1991 but remained in detention without medication for one week.

According to the testimony submitted to the High Court, Matiba was released from detention on June 4, 1991, two days after a head scan confirmed there was bleeding in his brain.

[caption caption="Inside Nyayo Torture Chambers"][/caption]