ODM: We haven’t been consulted on Geneva trip

By peter atsiaya

A fresh row has erupted between the coalition partners over Prof Phillip Alston’s report on extra-judicial killings, with ODM distancing itself from a planned mission to Geneva to defend the Government.

"Let it be known ODM, as a member of the Grand Coalition Government, has not been consulted by the so-called Government Communication Office and does not support this dismissive stance, " the party said, in a statement read by Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o.

Nyong’o, the Medical Services Minister, said ODM expected the report to be submitted to the Grand Coalition Management Committee and the Cabinet before the Government position on it is pronounced.

A Government team, reportedly comprising Internal Security Minister George Saitoti, Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo and Attorney-General Amos Wako, has been tasked to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to defend Kenya against accusations of extra judicial killings.

Kenya’s case will come before the UN Human Rights Council, the UN’s top organ on human rights, on Wednesday and the Government team is expected to leave on Monday.

On Saturday, ODM disassociated itself from the mission; with Nyong’o saying the Government delegation would represent PNU and not the Grand Coalition Government. 

ODM, the statement said, had learnt through the Press that the Government Communications Office had dismissed Aliston’s report on behalf of the Government.

Nyong’o reiterated the ODM position that the Alston Report on police killings should be implemented.

Alston recommended inquiry into police death squads, sacking of corrupt judges and dismissal of AG and Police boss Maj-Gen Hussein Ali.