Daniel Otieno
30 June 2008
Nairobi — Prime Minister Raila Odinga is seeking to bring to an end the amnesty debate, saying the Government will soon release a report.
Mr Odinga called for patience, saying, the Government was committed to resolving the issue once and for all.
The PM said that although the police had indicated that only 103 people were being held in connection with the post-election violence, the numerous complaints raised by the public had necessitated an investigation.
"The police say that they arrested 103 people and you are saying that very many people disappeared. We will investigate the matter soon," he said.
This issue has divided the grand coalition Cabinet with a section of leaders led by Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua insisting that those linked to violence must face the law.
Another group led by Agriculture minister William Ruto maintains that charging the suspects would be tantamount to selective application of the law given that the street protests were organised by top government officials who are yet to be summoned to face the law.
There have also been calls from within the Government that the President and the PM find an amicable solution to the fate of those arrested in connection with the skirmishes.
Mr Odinga said the Commission of Inquiry into post-election violence led by Mr Justice Philip Waki, which begins its work Tuesday, would look in to the causes of the violence.
The PM, who was speaking at the home-coming party of Nyando MP Fred Outa urged Kenyans to come out in large numbers and testify before the commission to help uncover what happened after the polls.
Meanwhile, a nominated MP and a section of lawyers have questioned the Government's commitment to the reconciliation process, saying that it was sending conflicting information.
Ethnic relations
MP Millie Odhiambo and lawyers Haroun Ndubi and Cyprian Nyamwamu said that although Ms Karua had published the National Ethnic and Race Relations Commission Bill, her stand on the post-election violence suspects was wanting.
Mr Ndubi said the minister ought to push for alternative methods of justice as she forges ahead with the process of addressing the injustices that led to the chaos.
They spoke in Kisumu at a public forum where Ms Odhiambo said she would lobby colleagues to throw out the Bill.
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