By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The families of Rex Masai and Evans Kiratu, the first protesters to be allegedly killed by the police have received a million Kenya shillings each.
Activist Hanifa Farsafi said the money was part of the over Ksh14 million that Kenyans have been contributing to help the victims of the protests.
In an update on her social media pages, Hanifa said the money was sent to the mothers of the two late protesters.
She revealed that part of the money will also be used for medical bills for another protester who was shot in the back which led to him being paralysed.
“Hello guys. Remember Rex and Evan’s? The first victims of this cruel regime. We have sent one million each to their families that’s their mum,” the activist said in a post on X.
“The remaining will be sent to the family of Ian, who was shot three times on the back and won’t be able to walk again. This is minus the hospital bills. He will receive tomorrow since the bank limit can’t allow us today,” he added.
Kenyans have been making contributions to help tens of proters who were injured for the last two weeks of demonstrations against the contentious 2024 Finance Bill.
The bill has already been withdrawn by President William Ruto who declined to sign it despite Members of Parliament passing it.
Ruto wrote a memorandum to Parliament recommending that all the clauses be deleted.
On Thursday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula informed MPs of the President’s decision.
Wetangula also referred the matter to the Finance Committee.
However, contrary to anticipations that MPs would be recalled for a special sitting to discuss the president’s memorandum, the Speaker said the matter had no time limits hence it will be addressed once MPs resume recess.
The legislators are on a short recess until July 23.