35 Years And Counting: Isaiah Ochanda's Battle For Compensation

Source: Capital FM Kenya
Author: Irene Mwangi

NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 6 - Isaiah Ochanda's life took a tragic turn three decades ago when he suffered a life-altering injury while serving as a soldier at the former Department of Defence, now known as the Ministry of Defense.

In 1987, Ochanda sustained severe spinal cord injuries during his duties at the artillery department of Embakasi Barracks, rendering him bedridden and in dire need of medical attention.

Recalling the fateful incident while presenting his petition before Senators on Tuesday, Ochanda recounted how he incurred the injury while training the Kenya wrestling team for the All-Africa Games.

Diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, he spent three agonizing years recuperating at the Forces Memorial Hospital before being discharged in 1989 to continue his recovery at home.

However, Ochanda's challenges were far from over.

In 1995, he received a discharge instruction letter, abruptly ending his service in the military. Despite his years of dedicated service to the Kenya Air Force prior to the accident, accessing his entitled pension became a frustrating ordeal.

Upon seeking his pension at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, Ochanda was redirected back to his village, with promises of processing his dues.

Yet, four months later, he remained empty-handed, despite futile attempts by his family to intervene.

Driven by desperation, Ochanda turned to the courts to claim his remaining dues and medical discharge benefits. After a protracted legal battle, the court ruled in his favor, ordering the Ministry of Defense to compensate him.

However, the road to justice was fraught with obstacles as the Ministry continually frustrated his efforts.

In November 2011, Ochanda obtained a certificate of taxation against the government amounting to Sh22.9 million.

Despite personal appeals to the former Attorney General, Prof Githu Muigai, and obtaining a warrant of arrest against Defense Principal Secretary Torome, the Ministry's compliance remained elusive.

"After enduring years of suffering, pain, and agony, and despite numerous warnings from honorable judges, the Ministry of Defense finally agreed to pay me a small amount, in defiance of court orders," lamented Ochanda.

Ochanda's ordeal underscores the systemic challenges faced by many veterans in accessing their entitled benefits and highlights the pressing need for reforms within the Ministry of Defense to ensure timely and just compensation for those who have sacrificed for their country.