Mutula Kilonzo, Justice minister

QUESTION: Did ODM and PNU reach a consensus on Prof Philip Alston’s Report in Geneva?

A: Yes. We reached consensus because the report that Prof George Saitoti read to the congress had signatures of all the PNU and ODM ministers.

Q: Why did the Government belatedly change its report in Geneva?

A: We did not change the initial report we had submitted, but we had to review the statement we had drafted to accommodate ODM views. Initially, we had not admitted there were extra judicial killings, but in a revised version we changed that position.

Q: With the Attorney-General and the Police Commissioner keeping their jobs, what options lie ahead?

A: The duo is serving at the pleasure of the President, who is the appointing authority. Removing an individual does not amount to reforms. We need to initiate reforms in those offices, but not engage in musical chairs.

Q: Do you think the reforms listed in Geneva as undertaken will address extra-judicial killings and end impunity?

A: Yes, they would, coupled with implementation of Agenda 4. We have to implement all the issues we promised in Geneva. If sound reforms are put in place, then things will change for the better.

Q: How can Kenya best fight crime and extra-judicial killings?

A: Reforms. Institutional reforms are the panacea to desired changes. We need to modernise and empower the police force with resources to fight crime.

Q: Are you satisfied with the task force drawing a road map for police reforms?

A: Yes. As an interim measure to deal with administrative and other reform mechanisms that do not need to wait for a total constitutional review.

Q: Was Kenya’s image at stake over extra-judicial killings?

A: It was and still is. It still remains so because some people made the outside world believe that the Government wants to kill its citizens at will, which is not the case. The Government respects human life and its main responsibility is to protect citizens.

Q: There have been mixed signals since you returned from Geneva. Are some people trying to reverse the Government decision taken before the Human Rights Council?

A: No. If there are some they better keep quiet forever since I will not allow them to stand on the way for necessary reforms. The double delegation was the first and last and we will ensure in future we agree before sending any team to an international forum.

Q: Any remarks about the Geneva trip you may want to add?

A: I salute the two principals for finally agreeing to expand the delegation. I also salute the two ODM representatives James Orengo and Amason Kingi for ceding some ground and our own side for doing the same. I am happy that we have come back united and we will deliver to Kenyans.