30 June 2008
editorial
Nairobi — The Independent Review Commission looking into the disputed General Election of last year is supposed to be one of the most important probes into an episode that nearly plunged this country into total chaos.
Unfortunately, the hearings chaired by South African judge Johann Kriegler are being turned into a circus that makes mockery of the entire exercise.
What is supposed to be a serious and sober examination of what went wrong has been hijacked by political activists, hecklers and idlers who have absolutely no evidence of importance to offer.
The Kriegler Commission meant well when it opened its hearings to all members of the public who wanted to make a contribution.
It is clear now that the open-door policy is not working as envisaged. It has been grossly abused and for that reason, the Commission must redefine its rules to make sure that only those with something important to say are given a hearing.
This can be done by requiring that all those who wish to give evidence first deposit written copies of their testimony. That will give the Commission opportunity to scrutinise the written submissions and decide which applicants warrant invitations to give oral testimony.
This will speed up the proceedings. Secondly, it will keep out attention-seekers who want only to make wild political statements and waste the Commissions' time with all manner of unsupported allegations.
The authorities would also help the Commission a great deal by moving firmly and decisively against those who attend the public hearings only to cheer and heckle.
A clear example must be made of those of seek to turn the hearings into ugly political theatre. In addition to ejecting them, they should also be charged in court and punished. The Kriegler Commission has very onerous responsibilities and must not be turned into crude political theatre.
Kenyans, particularly those who desire to give testimony, must also understand that the Commission does not seek to determine who won the elections.
The real task is to find out what went wrong and make recommendations on how to reform and improve the electoral system.
If that simple fact is well understood, perhaps not many will turn up to make political statements.
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