More than 400 former Kenya Air Force officers who were relieved of their duties following the 1982 attempted coup have renewed their push for payment of dues they say have remained outstanding for decades.
The former officers met Safina Party leaders, seeking the party’s support in petitioning the government to settle their claims.
Through their chairman, Muigai Njoroge, the veterans said they had been neglected despite their role in responding to the coup attempt. They said their service was terminated following the events of 1982 and that successive governments had failed to resolve their claims.
Safina Deputy Party Leader Willis Otieno said the veterans’ case had already been determined by the courts, accusing the government of failing to comply with the orders.
Otieno said court orders had directed the government to pay the former officers up to Sh9 billion. He further claimed that contempt proceedings had been initiated against Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru over the failure to comply with the orders.
He also claimed that another court order had directed the Inspector-General of Police to arrest the PS, arguing that the continued failure to enforce the orders raised questions about the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi said the veterans’ case was an example of what he described as the declining respect for the rule of law in Kenya.
Wanjigi pledged that, if elected president, his administration would ensure the veterans were paid within the first three months of taking office.
“My government, the Safina Party government, will ensure the payment is done within the first three months after taking office,” Wanjigi told the veterans.
Wanjigi also criticised President William Ruto over his handling of national issues, including recent remarks on traders who have raised concerns about competition from Chinese businesses.
He accused the President of diverting attention to Burundians instead of addressing complaints raised by Kenyan traders over Chinese businesses.
“The other day, there were traders who were complaining about tax injustice. When they went there, they complained about unfair treatment and privilege over a community called Chinese. Our President does not point at the Chinese; he starts mentioning our neighbouring brothers and sisters called Burundians,” said Wanjigi.
The meeting also marked the veterans’ formal welcome into the Safina Party, with the party pledging to support their efforts to secure payment of the outstanding dues.
