Trump Pressed to Resolve Compensation for Victims of 1998 Nairobi Terror Attack

President-elect Donald Trump is being urged to address the longstanding compensation claims of Kenyan victims of the 1998 Nairobi bombing.

Among the advocates for these claims is George Nginge, a 72-year-old survivor who has spent nearly three decades seeking reparation for the injuries he sustained during the attack that claimed over 200 lives. Nginge, who was 45 at the time of the bombing, has faced debilitating physical and emotional consequences as a result of the tragedy. His injuries have forced him to rely on crutches, profoundly affecting his quality of life.

On December 3, Nginge, accompanied by fellow victims, publicly appealed to Trump to recognize their plight and expedite a resolution to their longstanding compensation claims. The victims have confronted numerous obstacles in their quest for justice, with their efforts often yielding disappointing results despite years of advocacy. Nginge regrets a lack of support from both the American and Kenyan governments, emphasizing that while their struggles have been met with sympathy, actionable outcomes remain elusive.

The 1998 bombing of the American Embassy in Nairobi stands as a crucial moment in the fight against terrorism, leaving many survivors grappling with significant physical and psychological scars. Ongoing legal discussions in the US Congress reflect the contentious nature of compensation for the victims, further complicating their pursuit of justice. To bolster their efforts, Nginge and other survivors have enlisted the help of legal aid organizations such as Kituo cha Sheria, to navigate their cases in court.

They are hopeful that under Trump's administration, there will be renewed attention to their demands for acknowledgement and compensation from the US government. The 1998 devastating bomb blast at the US Embassy in Nairobi injured over 5,000, marking the incident as Kenya's deadliest terror attack. A simultaneous explosion at the US mission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, resulted in a total of 224 fatalities, with the attacks attributed to al-Qaida.

Last year, Kenya commemorated the 25th anniversary of the bombings with victims and their families renewing demands for compensation from the US government. Anisa Mwilu, who lost her husband in the attack, stressed the need for financial reparations. Caroline Muthoka, a representative from a victims' group, urged Congress to consider legislation addressing medical expenses and educational costs for survivors.

Redempta Kadenge Amisi, a survivor still coping with injuries from the blast, voiced her continued hope for support despite not having received any assistance since the tragedy.