More MPs back special tribunal

By Standard on Sunday Team

A fresh bid for the formation of a special tribunal to try masterminds of post-election violence gathered momentum as more MPs backed the move.

Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo, who unsuccessfully tried to convince Cabinet to establish the special tribunal, welcomed the draft Private Member’s Bill by Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara.

"I support any initiative geared towards establishing a local tribunal to try the perpetrators of post-election violence. This is the only way to redeem the image and confidence of local institutions," Mutula told The Standard on Sunday, on Saturday.

But Agriculture Minister William Ruto criticised those pressing for a tribunal, saying they were bent on pulling the country back.

"There are people who do not want Kenya to move forward. We as a Cabinet decided that it is time to move on," said Ruto.

Mutula downplayed the possibility of a showdown between Parliament and the Executive, which shut the door on a local tribunal and instead opted for a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC).

Separately, backbenchers, who shot down a Government move to create the tribunal in February and instead rooted for The Hague, explained their sudden change of heart, saying they could trust one of their own to craft a robust tribunal Bill,

Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo said the other Bill was shot down since MPs felt the Government was not sincere and committed to having the suspects tried.

Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale said any Bill that will see the suspects face trial in a process approved by the International Criminal Court is welcome.

Galole MP Samuel Godhana backed the Bill: "I fully support the Bill because I believe TJRC will not do anything to perpetrators of post-election violence."

where the shoe pinches

Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa, however, said if the Bill is similar to that drafted by the Government, it will be rejected. But Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny opposed revival of the clamour for a local tribunal and asked MPs whose areas were not affected by post-election violence to stop attacking the TJRC. "Imanyara is playing cheap politics because he does not understand where the shoe pinches. I can assure him the Bill will not pass."

Education Assistant Minister Calist Mwatela and Malindi MP Gideon Mung’aro said they would decide whether to support the Bill after studying the draft legislation.

Report by Mutinda Mwanzia, Martin Mutua, Biketi Kikechi and Renson Mnyamwezi