Oliver Mathenge
21 February 2008
Nairobi — Members of the public Wednesday differed on whether Kenya was in need of a truth and reconciliation commission following violence triggered by last year's disputed presidential poll results.
A public debate organised by the Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) drew varied responses on whether such a commission should be put in place. The debate at the Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi sought views from members of the public and "Bunge la Wananchi Parliamentarians". Most of the participants were however in agreement that justice must prevail in the country if Kenyans are to coexist.
On power-sharing, which also dominated the debate, participants felt that it was the only way forward for Kenyans to be able to work together.
Preferred candidates
There was however caution among some of the participants that the commission should not be constituted on the basis of last year's poll results.
"Formation of the commission and any reforms that we want should not be done just because our preferred candidates were declared winners or not in last year's elections," said Mr Wilberforce Onyango, a participant. Mr Onyango says civic education should also be given priority. Another participant, Mr Mark Korir says all previous governments had helped propel injustices in the country. He says colonial masters and the governments that followed propagated the land issues that are at the centre of conflict in the Rift Valley. The province witnessed the highest number of deaths and displacements in the country over the period the post-election violence occurred in the country.
Declared winner
Mr Salim Ganga, a participant, told the forum that the commission was necessary but unlike the mediation process it must focus on those at the grassroots. He said Kenyans must have a say on who sits in the commission if truth, justice and reconciliation are to be achieved.
Mr Patrick Wambugu agreeing with him said that politicians could not be trusted with the setting up and running of such a commission because they had failed in the ongoing mediation talks. The ICJ is in support of formation of such a commission saying it would help bring peace and healing in Kenya, where nearly 1,000 people have been killed and 300,000 others displaced in violence after President Kibaki was declared winner of the General Election.
A programme officer with ICJ, Ms Priscilla Nyokabi, said Kenyans should determine the membership of such as a commission before it is set up and issues it should address.
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You should be proud of yourselves. That’s the best I have ever heard so far in this debate. That is exactly what Kenya needs RIGHT NOW ! It is imperative that the People of Kenya can find a body that they can look up to with trust and faith. Something that can give them hope for the future. This group of people can not be biased and as such part of the Kenyan establishment. What you need is help from external mediators from Europe or elsewhere, a group free from colonial master ideas. Also I think it is important… [Read Full Text]