Rights agency faults TJRC option

By RAMADHAN RAJAB

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC) is disappointed with the Cabinet’s failure to set up a special tribunal to try suspects in post-election violence.

It said the decision had opened doors for International Criminal Court (ICC) to step in.

"Without the tribunal, the Cabinet is telling the world that Kenyans are incapable of keeping their word, that they are not committed to punishing crime or even keen on transition," the commission’s vice-chair Hassan Omar said on Friday.

He added the Cabinet’s irresoluteness has proved it had failed Kenyans and was abdicating its responsibilities, and keen on reneging on the commitment to end impunity.

Betrayed Trust

"By this act the Cabinet appeared to have endorsed impunity rather than take tangible steps to combat it, as discussed in Agenda Four and the Waki recommendations," Omar told The Standard on Saturday.

He condemned the Cabinet’s consideration of pulling out of the Rome Statute under article 127 and repeal of the International Crimes Act 2008.

The commission rejected the Cabinet’s decision that the Truth Justice And Reconciliation Commission should try the suspects.

He accused the Cabinet of having vested interests. He said the TJRC lackd the capacity to handle the suspects and heal the country at the same time.

"The only people rejoicing today are the perpetrators or those associated with the post poll chaos since impunity seems to have its way.