13 May 2008
editorial
Nairobi — Debate about amnesty for those implicated in the violence sparked by the December controversial presidential election results peaked at the weekend. There were two diametrically opposed views - the nays and the yea - both representing the discordance of thoughts among the different members of the Coalition Government.
Last month, Prime Minister Raila Odinga stoked the flames when he asked the Government to enter into a dialogue with members of the outlawed Mungiki sect. However, as it soon came to pass, the Government took the challenge and quickly sent emissaries to talk to Mungiki leaders, including jailed Maina Njenga, the sect's spiritual leader. And the discourse shifted from just talking to Mungiki leaders, to a plea to release Njenga, notwithstanding the fact that he was convicted for crime.
We appreciate the fact that these are unique moments that require radical measures. Past strategies to deal with groups like Mungiki have failed. Despite being outlawed, Mungiki and other such shadowy organisations, continue to thrive and perpetrate mayhem. Seeking alternative models to deal with them is perfectly in order.
Even so, we are concerned that politicians want to make capital about prevailing circumstances. Talks of amnesty, or not, are tinged by political interest and in total disregard for the common good.
This is why we have cases where some politicians are quick to call for dialogue, for example, with Mungiki followers, while recommending brute force for the likes of Sabaot Land Defence Force or the Rift Valley gangs linked to the mayhem the province suffered early in the year.
All criminal gangs must be dealt with according to the law. Those serving jail terms must pay the penance. Crime should not be politicised.
If Kenya wants to go the amnesty route, then that must be done within an acceptable framework. This is where the truth, justice and reconciliation commission comes in.
In a nutshell, politicians must keep off criminal matters and allow the law to take its course. Amnesty without truth, justice and reconciliation is unacceptable.
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