Kenyans dismiss torture pay-out

Kenyan activists have dismissed as paltry, compensation they were awarded for being tortured by government agents under former President Daniel Arap Moi.

A court last week awarded $20,000 to each of seven victims. They had demanded $180,000.

Their lawyer, and a victim himself, Rumba Kinuthia, said they also want the torturers to face justice.

At least 2,000 people were tortured at the infamous Nyayo House in Nairobi, which is now open to the public.

President Mwai Kibaki succeeded Mr Moi in 2003 and promised to compensate torture victims but some human rights activists have accused him of dragging his feet.

Doubts

Mr Kinuthia said the court award was "not reasonable".

"The spirit of the judgement was fine but the award was out of tune, as the people sustained injuries of permanent nature - either physical or psychological - and it only fair they got reasonable compensation," he told the BBC Network Africa Programme.

He said they are still expecting the ruling for 18 victims. They also plan to file 50 new cases.

The compensation was awarded after the torture victims filed a case against the government in late 2003.

Mr Kinuthia also urged the government to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to enable the torturers to confess.

Although the Nyayo House torture chambers were opened to the public by the new government, correspondents say serious doubts remain about the government's real intentions.

Not only has no-one been arrested and prosecuted for these crimes, but some alleged torturers have actually been promoted - or even appointed to the government by Mr Kibaki.

The use of torture became increasingly commonplace after a coup attempt in 1982, after which Mr Moi began to become increasingly concerned about political opposition.