It was a solemn but hopeful day at the August 7th Memorial Park in Nairobi when the Senate Ad Hoc Committee that is Pushing for Compensation to the Kenyan Victims of the 1998 US Embassy Bombing attended the Victims Prayer Day. 

The Ad Hoc Committee attended the event to meet with all the Victims of the terrorist attack and listen to their side of the story, before embarking on a visit to the United States of America to meet with the Members of the US Congress and the Senate to lobby for their compensation. 

While addressing the Victims and their families at the event, the Members of the Senator Kavindu-led Committee called on the US Government to cultivate the good relationship it has had with the Kenyan people by paying the victims and their families their dues. 

“The 1998 bombing was an act of war against the United States of America. Therefore, there’s a portion of liability that goes to the American Government and that’s why we’re seeking compensation. The USA should look into the welfare of Kenyans since they’re our friends,” Senator Dan Maanzo said.  

The Members of the Committee subsequently reiterated their resolve to advocate for the victims' cause when they meet with their American counterparts so that they can alleviate the suffering they have endured over the years.  

“For over 25 years, many Kenyan victims of the bomb blast continue to seek reparation and compensation on this issue. We must honour the memory of those we mourn today by pressing the cause of justice,” Senator Agnes Kavindu said. 

“We ask the USA Government, which is a member and a signatory to the UN Charter, to look after the rights of Kenyans who were affected by the disaster,” Senator Beatrice Ogola added.  

The Honorable Senators also pleaded with the Kenyan Government to provide employment opportunities to the bombing survivors so that they can support their families since many employers shy away from employing them because of their medical conditions. 

 “Under affirmative action, there’s a requirement that 5% of the employment in Kenya must consider persons with disabilities. The Kenyan Government should get some of these survivors some meaningful employment,” Senator Jackson Mandago said. 

The Ad Hoc Committee will next meet with Dr Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and Diaspora Affairs, to deliberate on the steps the Government has taken to ensure the victims of the terrorist attack are compensated.