A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner of Okoa Uchumi Campaign has rejected President William Ruto’s apology made during Wednesday’s National Prayer Breakfast, terming it hollow, conditional and dishonest.

At a press briefing held at Seo Hotel in Machakos, the group described the President’s comments--“To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologise”--as a deliberate attempt to avoid accountability for grave human rights violations.

“Kenya is not grieving in speculation. We are grieving that over 60 youth have been shot dead, another approximately 89 citizens abducted and disappeared, journalists and critics surveilled and threatened,” read the group’s official statement.

“There is no ‘if’ when the evidence is written in the wounds of a nation. It is unacceptable to pretend to provide redress conditionally.”

The remarks were delivered by senior representatives of several rights-based organisations, including Transparency International Kenya, The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!, Bajeti Hub, Christian Aid Kenya, and Bunge Mashinani, among others.

Citing Article 1 of the Constitution which vests sovereignty in the people, and Article 10 which demands transparency, accountability and human dignity, the coalition said the government had violated both the spirit and letter of the law.

“A breach is a betrayal and must be met with serious actions of accountability and responsibility,” the statement declared.

The group demanded the following:

An independent national inquiry into extrajudicial killings, abductions and state violence, led by non-state actors and the families of victims.

Immediate redress and reparations for victims of economic and political violence.

Transparent audits of public debt and a people-led renegotiation process in line with the High Court ruling of December 2024.

Enforcement of Chapter Six and Article 10 of the Constitution through public vetting and lifestyle audits for public officers.

The organisations expressed deep frustration with what they termed the government’s habit of issuing symbolic apologies while avoiding concrete action. They said apologies delivered at high-profile events like prayer breakfasts are meaningless without justice.

“We are tired of apologies served at prayer breakfasts, we do not swallow them,” read the statement.

“We are ashamed of expensive ceremonies that produce no justice, and ultimately, we are fed up with leaders fluent in the language of faith but deaf to the cries of the people.”

Okoa Uchumi maintained that their campaign is not anti-government, but pro-accountability and justice.

“This campaign is not against Kenya. It is for Kenya--a Kenya where leadership is accountable, budgets serve people, and justice is not mumbled in prayers but written into policy, practice, and public life.”

The Okoa Uchumi Campaign is a coalition of civil society organisations working to promote fiscal justice, transparency, and human rights in Kenya. 

Members represented at the Machakos press conference included Transparency International Kenya, The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!, Bajeti Hub, Christian Aid Kenya, and Bunge Mashinani, among others.