Stephen Munyiri
16 July 2008
Nairobi — The families of three prison warders killed in a road accident 14 years ago are yet to be compensated.
They are now appealing for the intervention of President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga over the matter since "we have lost hope of ever getting the money".
The families' spokespersons are Mr Cyrus Wachira Kimotho, Mr Daniel Mwai Mwangi and Mr Simon Njogu, all from Nyeri North District.
"We have been tossed from one office to the other and are disappointed because our efforts have proved futile," said a dejected Mr Mwai.
They are among parents of 23 prison warders from different parts of the country who died in an accident in December 1994.
They were headed to Uhuru Park to attend rehearsals for that year's Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Safe keeping
Although, the Government later paid out more than Sh52 million as compensation, a lawyer who received the money on behalf of the beneficiaries ran away with the cash.
He was later arrested and arraigned in court. Some Sh27 million which was recovered was taken to the Attorney-General's office for safe keeping.
According to documents made available to the Nation, each of the beneficiaries was to receive between Sh2 million and Sh2.4 million.
In 2003, Mathira MP Nderitu Gachagua raised the matter in Parliament where attorney-general Amos Wako admitted that the families did not get compensation.
The families wonder why the Sh27 million has not been paid to them as the Government pursues the balance.
They have previously sought the intervention of former Vice-President Moody Awori and Justice minister Martha Karua over the issue.
The parents now say they have been left penniless after exhausting their families' financial resources chasing the compensation.
"We are now seeking the intervention of the President and the Prime minister, who are our only hope in our quest for justice," they said.
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