Senate lobbies to compensate ’98 blast victims

The Senate has approved the formation of a special committee to help push for compensation for Kenyan victims of the 1998 bomb blast in Nairobi. 

The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Compensation to the Kenyan victims of the 1998 Bombing of the United States of America Embassy in Nairobi, was formed after members of the House approved a motion for its establishment.

In a session held in the Senate Chamber, members of the House said that the nine-member Committee will pursue and accomplish the compensation of victims and families of the victims of Kenyan nationals by the United States government.

The bomb blast, which occurred on August 7th, 1998, claimed the lives of at least 213 Kenyans and 12 Americans. 

In addition, over 5,000 citizens of both countries were seriously injured due to the reverberations and collapse of adjacent buildings located within a two to three block radius of the US Embassy.

While replying to the motion on the floor of the Senate, Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu Muthama thanked members for showing solidarity with the victims of the bomb blast, adding that the victims can now rest easy knowing that the Senate has their interests at heart.

“The United States government has only compensated some victims and families of US citizens leaving the families of Kenyan citizens uncompensated. So, I promise the House that this Ad Hoc Committee will not leave any stone unturned so that our people can get justice,” Senator Muthama said.

The Senators who were approved by the House to serve on the Committee include senators Agnes Kavindu Muthama, Daniel Maanzo, Alexander Mundigi, Beatrice Ogolla, Johnes Mwaruma, Mohamed Said Chute, Jackson Mandago, William Cheptumo and Peris Tobiko.

The Ad Hoc Committee has 90 days to undertake its work, after which it will table its report to the Senate.