Kiplagat: Deal maker and astute diplomat

(Photo: Courtesy)

Many remember him as the Chairman of the turbulent Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) whose final report is still gathering dust in Parliament. Yet Bethuel Kiplagat, who died on Friday, had had a full tour of duty by the time President Kibaki picked him to head TJRC in 2009. Those of us who were of age when President Jomo Kenyatta died in August 1978 recall the emergence of the three Kiplagats from the woodwork about this time.

There was Hosea Kiplagat, Lawi Kigen Kiplagat and Bethuel Kiplagat. The trio distinguished themselves as some of President Moi's closest associates. Hosea Kiplagat was of those people who would be wherever the president was, without clear knowledge of what his role was. Even more mysterious was the role of Lawi Kiplagat.