This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
Boeing has announced a $50 million financial assistance fund for families of the Ethiopian Airlines crash victims, with each family entitled to $144,500.
The offer was made in July, and families have until 2020 to apply. However, lawyers representing affected families have rejected the offer, citing the amount as too small.
"The gift from Boeing is welcome as long as it does not have strings attached to it," said Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata, whose law firm is part of a team representing 15 Kenyan families.
However, some lawyers have advised families to accept the offer, but not to withdraw their lawsuits against Boeing.
"Ideally, what Boeing are doing is to apologise in a colourful manner. And any apology is acceptable; but any apology that is offered does not eliminate the need to seek reparations," said Nairobi-based lawyer Stephen Gachie.
Boeing has denied that accepting their offer would negate anyone's intent to sue.
