Decades after the flames of post-election violence were extinguished, the embers of pain still burn fiercely for thousands of victims who feel abandoned by the very state that swore to protect them.

A heartbreaking plea has gone out to President William Ruto from the victims of past political upheavals, demanding that the government honor its long-standing promises of compensation and resettlement. For these Kenyans, "peace" is a hollow word when their lives remain stalled in a perpetual state of displacement and poverty. The trauma is not just historical; it is a daily, lived reality.

The "so what" here is a question of justice delayed being justice denied. While the country has moved on, celebrating new constitutions and peaceful transitions, a segment of the population remains frozen in the trauma of 2007/2008 and other electoral clashes. Their continued neglect is a stain on the national conscience and a ticking time bomb for social cohesion.

The Stalled Lives of IDPs

Many victims are still living in squalid conditions, labeled as "integrated IDPs" but receiving little to no integration support. They speak of lost livelihoods, uncompensated injuries, and the psychological scars of witnessing their neighbors turn into tormentors. The government’s renewed assurances have been met with skepticism, as similar promises have evaporated into thin air over the last three administrations.

"We are the children of a lesser god in our own country," lamented one victim representative. "Every election cycle, we are used as campaign props, promised heaven, and then discarded once the ballots are cast." This cycle of exploitation has bred deep cynicism and resentment among the victims groups.

• Compensation Delays: Billions were earmarked for resettlement, yet many genuine victims claim they never received a cent.
• Medical Needs: Many survivors with permanent disabilities from bullet wounds and pangas are struggling to afford basic medical care.
• Truth and Reconciliation: The full implementation of the TJRC report remains a mirage, leaving the root causes of the violence unaddressed.

A Test for the Kenya Kwanza Administration

President Ruto, who himself navigated the choppy waters of the ICC cases, understands intimately the ghost of political violence. The victims are appealing to this shared history, hoping it will spur his administration to finally close this painful chapter with dignity. It is not just about money; it is about acknowledgement and validation of their suffering.

The government must move beyond rhetoric and establish a transparent, verified framework to clear the backlog of compensation claims. Until the last victim finds closure, the specter of political violence will continue to haunt Kenya’s democratic journey.

For the victims, the message is simple: "Mr. President, do not let us die waiting for justice."