By Jeff Kizzilah
Today marked the 25th Anniversary for the 7th 1998 victims to push for justice for the affected victims.
Speaking during at the 25th Anniversary Hon Senator Machakos County Agnes Kavindu the led Chairperson of the Senate Committee said as the Senate Ad Hoc Committee they will ensure the victims of the 1998 bomblast get justice they deserve by compensating them.
“We are here to listen to the victims and we are not going to leave anything and any stone unturned before we make sure that our victims receive their receive their their compensation. Just to mention we are also planning to see our president who I know he knows that we are having this motion and he knows what we are having this discussion and I know he will give us fully backup. “She added
“We know even the opposition will give us full backup and we are going to do whatever is possible for us as a committee and as the Senate to make sure that we go and meet the Senate in the in the United States so that they can also include all victims in the fund, which should give us the leeway because Kenya was not included in it.” Senator Kavindu said
Hon senator Agnes Kavindu noted that Kenya was not included in it but they just need to change the law so that the victims has suffered for 25 years, many of our the victims continues to suffer.
She further said the issue, is reference to the compensation fund that was created in 2014.
” As part of the US omnibus budget legislation, the fund applies to judgement holding victims of the state sponsored terrorist attack directed against the United States.
Our greatest plea to the United government to the US government is to expand it. The proposal to Congress to initiate amendments through the victim of terrorist act the main aim of the amendment is to make Kenya Kenyan victims of the 1998 attack eligible to participate in the US victim terrorist compensation fund. We seek the US government to provide a pathway for all the victims to become eligible for the compensation of the funds.” added Senator Agnes Kavindu
The victims of the bomblast has highlighted many challenges they are currently facing since some were left as orphans , windows and they shared their testimony how they are suffering as some lost their loved ones.
Mrs Caroline Muthoka the Chairperson and International Convener Consortium of the 7th August victims Association saidthat the association has been of good help to the victims and in assisting the victims to get justice through compensation in collaboration with the US embassy.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Government officials and Opposition leaders led by Hon Kalonzo Musyoka and Hon. Martha Karua amongst other leaders.